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201

Discard to Discovery
Empowering Majority World Theological 
Libraries Through Book Donations
Hannie Riley, Librarian, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford

ABSTR ACT: In an era when information is paramount, ensuring equi-
table access to knowledge remains a critical challenge as information 
divides persist and even widen across many regions of the world. As 
a librarian in a theological library and of Korean descent, I recognise 
the profound importance of theological resources and their transfor-
mative power. Historical evidence shows that theology books and the 
Bible significantly influenced the history of Christianity in Korea even 
before the arrival of missionaries. Given the remarkable impact of 
these resources, it is essential to establish connections between sur-
plus theological books in the UK and the libraries of rapidly growing 
theological training centres and educational institutions in the majority 
world, which are in desperate need of such materials. To address this 
need, the Oxford Theology Resources Link was founded in late 2023 to 
deliver surplus theological books from the West to the Global South. 
This article explores the rationale behind it and outlines the initiative’s 
foundational principles: providing high-quality academic resources, 
empowering recipients to choose their own books, and offering ongo-
ing support for the sustainability of the receiving libraries.

INTRODUCTION

In an era when information is paramount, ensuring equitable access 
to information and knowledge remains a significant challenge as 
information divides persist and even widen across many parts 
of the world. Through various channels, my roles as the college 
librarian at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, chair of ABTAPL 
(Association of British Theological and Philosophical Libraries) and 
vice-president of BETH (Bibliothèques Européennes de Théologie - 
European Theological Library Association), have provided numerous 
opportunities to understand diverse situations of theological librar-
ies globally and the unique environments in which they operate. 



202    ATL A 2024 PROCEEDINGS

From many conversations with theological librarians over the past 
few years, I have learned that we all face difficulties and struggles 
in our rapid ever-changing world, influenced by technology innova-
tion, political instability and the demographic shifts in Christianity 
from the Global North to the Global South (i.e., Africa, Asia, Latin 
America, Oceania). According to Zurlo, Johnson and Crossing, “world 
Christianity changed dramatically over the course of the twentieth 
century with the continued shift of adherents from the Global North 
to the Global South” (Zurlo, Johnson and Crossing 2020, 13). 

In the West, this shift is compounded by the declining popularity 
of theology as a discipline and research subject, alongside waning 
public interest in Christianity. These trends place additional pressure 
on the existence of theological libraries, leading to surplus theologi-
cal collections due to library closures, mergers, space limitations, 
downsizing, updating or weeding. 

Conversely, “the decline of Christianity in the Global North is 
now being outpaced by the rise of Christianity in the Global South” 
(Zurlo, Johnson and Crossing 2020, 9). Consequently, many majority 
world theological libraries face a very different challenge: a lack of 
resources to cope with a rapid expansion of theological education 
and ministerial training.

Recognising the global imbalance in access to resources and 
information, I felt compelled to act. To address this issue from my 
perspective, I decided to start with why?—a framework introduced 
by Simon Sinek in his book, Start with Why. In this book, Sinek 
introduces the Golden Circle, which consists of three layers: why, 
how and what. The inner circle is why, the middle centre is how, 
and finally the outer circle is what (Sinek 2009, 37). According to 
him, this circle “provides compelling evidence of how much more 
we can achieve, if we remind ourselves to start everything we do 
by first asking why” (2009, 38).

Thus, I began by asking myself why I wanted to undertake this 
initiative, followed by how I would implement it, and finally what 
actions I would take. This article will explore each country’s trends 
and situations to elucidate my why and outline the steps taken to 
address the disparities in theological resource distribution.



Listen and Learn Sessions    203

THE UNITED KINGDOM

Starting on home ground, theological libraries in the UK have been 
closing or merging. I am often the first one to hear this news as I 
am the chair of the British Association, ABTAPL. Many theological 
libraries are struggling with financial constraints and merging with 
humanities institutions due to the unpopularity of theology as a dis-
cipline and a decline in the number of students (Press Office 2019). 
This trend is not only limited to institutions, but also wider society. 
Church attendance has declined from 11.8% to 5% of the population 
for the period from 1980 to 2015 (Faith Survey n.d.). Many physi-
cal collections of theology resources are discarded or stored away 
off-site, with more preference for e-resources. For example, institu-
tions such as the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS n.d.), 
University College London (UCL n.d.) and the Bodleian (Bodleian 
Libraries 2019) have adopted an “electronic first” policy. However, 
centuries of theological scholarship, research heritage and academic 
excellence in theology and Biblical studies cannot be overlooked.

UKRAINE

In the autumn of 2023, I met the librarian from the Ukrainian 
Evangelical Theological Seminary at the BETH conference in Córdoba 
and heard his desperate appeal. He shared the following story with 
me. Despite the war, the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary 
had the highest number of graduations (190 in 2023) in their 20-year 
history. Teaching and learning are still going strong. However, due 
to devastation and destruction, many collections are destroyed and 
ruined. No funds are available to invest in collection acquisition. 
English language books in theology and Biblical studies are greatly 
welcomed (pers. comm., September 2023). 

SOUTH SUDAN: BETHEL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 

Bethel Theological Seminary, founded in 2018 by the Rev. Dr. Enoch 
Song, is currently a small but resilient institution with about 50 
students. Rev. Song serves as the pastor of a small Korean church 
in Brighton, UK, ministering to the local Korean community, which 
comprises mostly students and has a congregation of about ten 



204    ATL A 2024 PROCEEDINGS

members. Despite his responsibilities in the UK, Rev. Song has a deep 
commitment to Africa and has been actively engaged in African 
ministry. 

When Rev. Song learned the news about South Sudan’s indepen-
dence during a visit to Kenya, where he was collaborating with local 
missionaries on campus evangelism outreach, he was moved by 
South Sudan’s crucial geopolitical significance in relation to Islamic 
Sudan. This prompted him to relocate his ministry from Kenya to 
South Sudan (pers. comm., April 2024).

South Sudan already has many faithful local church pastors. 
However, they often receive relatively short-term theological educa-
tion and training before being immediately deployed to serve their 
congregations. Recognising the need for more specialised and sys-
tematic education and training, Rev. Song, along with many Korean 
pastors serving Korean churches in the UK—many of whom have 
obtained doctoral degrees in theology from Western institutions—
collaborated to provide high-quality lectures at Bethel Theological 
Seminary. They visit three times a year for about two weeks each 
time. Rev. Song visited Wycliffe Hall and collected 322 books on 
practical ministry in April and 259 in July 2024, which he plans to 
take to South Sudan in August (pers. comm. July 2024). 

UGANDA: KUMI UNIVERSITY

I learned about Kumi University through a connection at KTLA (the 
South Korean Theology University and Seminary Library Association). 
Kumi University is located in the east of Uganda and was founded 
by a Korean missionary couple in 1996 in one of the poorest dis-
tricts of the country. The university now has 500 undergraduate 
students across four departments including Theology. The library 
is ill-equipped with books, making it imperative to acquire good 
quality resources. English language books in theology and biblical 
studies, as well as Bible commentaries, are extremely expensive and 
so desperately needed (pers. comm., April 2024). 



Listen and Learn Sessions    205

MYANMAR: EMMANUEL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Emmanuel Theological College is an Anglican seminary in 
Kalaymyo, which reopened in 2022 under the leadership of the 
Rev. Dr. David Brang Than, who earned his PhD at Sungkonghoe 
University, an Anglican University in Seoul, South Korea. After 
completing his education, he returned to Myanmar to minister to 
his people in a region where local conflicts persist. Currently he 
has 13 students, with 15 expected in the new academic year. Rev. 
Than aims to equip the library with 8,000 books. Although classes 
are taught in their local language, academic texts are often not yet 
written or translated in the local languages, making English-language 
theology books essentials.  

SOUTH KOREA: KTLA 

KTLA (Korean Theological University and Seminary Library 
Association) celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 2023. I had the 
privilege of attending this celebratory event last summer, where I 
was particularly moved by one presentation. KTLA has been sending 
their library members to theological libraries in the majority world 
for one to two weeks each summer to set up libraries or update their 
systems and collections, all personally funded. During these trips, 
the Korean librarians work tirelessly from early in the morning 
to late evening, taking only a couple of days off before flying back 
(pers. comm., June 2023). In South Korea, where summer holidays 
are typically very short—often just one to two weeks per year—KTLA 
views this initiative as their missional calling. They have been run-
ning this program since 2015, with a pause only during the COVID-
19 pandemic. Their dedication and sacrifice greatly humbled me. 

The reason for their dedication might be rooted in the unique 
history of Christianity in Korea and the significant impact theological 
books have had. The history of Christianity in Korea is unusual, as 
books, particularly theology books and the Bible, played an impor-
tant role even before the arrival of missionaries, preparing the way. 

Rausch and Park discussed the crucial role that theological books 
and the Bible played in Korea before missionaries arrived. Rausch 
and Park state, “Koreans were first introduced to Catholicism in the 
early seventeenth century through books on ‘Western learning’” 



206    ATL A 2024 PROCEEDINGS

acquired by a Korean diplomat during his visit to China. “When a 
Chinese missionary named James Zhou Wenmo . . . arrived in Korea 
in late 1794, there were already several thousand Catholics there” 
(Rausch and Park 2020, 12). Therefore, remarkably the first church 
in Korea was founded not by foreign missionaries but by Koreans 
who independently studied theology books and the Bible (Kim and 
Ko 2018). This fact is echoed by Allen Clark (1986, 39–40). 

A similar scenario unfolded with the inception of Korea’s 
Protestantism. Robert Thomas, a Welsh missionary, handed over 
some copies of a Chinese New Testament to Korean passersby just 
before his execution in 1866 on the shore of Pyeongyang, without an 
opportunity to engage in preaching or evangelism. This act planted 
the initial seed of the exploration of Protestantism in Korea. The 
distribution of this Bible led to the conversion of some individuals 
(Clark 1986, 62-63). Further, as Rausch and Park note:

While there were attempts by Protestant missionaries to enter Korea in 
1832 and 1866, sustained contact and conversion would not occur until 
the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Koreans abroad in Manchuria 
came into contact with Protestantism through Scottish missionaries, such 
as John Ross, and smuggled Ross’ Korean translations of the Gospels and 
then the entire New Testament into Korea before the first resident mission-
ary, Methodist Horace Allen, arrived in 1884 (Rausch and Park 2020, 13).  

The theology books and Bible were truly prepared well in advance 
of missionaries arriving on the Korean peninsula. Presently, South 
Korea stands firmly rooted in Christianity, exemplifying its robust 
foundation by emerging as the second-largest sender of missionaries 
globally (Moll 2006). South Korea is approximately 99 times smaller 
than the US in area, and the population of the US is six times larger 
than South Korea. Considering this population size, South Korea sends 
out the most missionaries per capita. This stands as a testament to 
the profound impact of the Gospel and the Word.

These stories are my why. With my why established, I now have 
my how.

HOW TO BRIDGE THE GAP

In the spring of 2023, a casual conversation over lunch with a visit-
ing academic who heads a seminary in a majority world country 



Listen and Learn Sessions    207

sparked an important initiative. For safety and security reasons, I 
cannot name the country or the institution. As a librarian, I inquired 
about their seminary library. They highlighted the inadequacy of 
the library in terms of academic resources, expressing challenges in 
procuring theological books for academic purposes in their country. 
Recognising librarians in the West are often overwhelmed by sur-
plus books, I felt compelled to take action to address the disparity 
between those with access and those without. 

Understanding the transformative influence of the Word, I felt 
a strong urge to connect surplus books in the UK with libraries in 
theological centres, seminaries, colleges, and universities in the 
majority world with rapid expansion, all in dire need of theologi-
cal books. Through library and church networks, I began exploring 
ways to support libraries in need with the following questions: How 
do I reduce the inequality and disparity in theological resource 
distribution? How do I bridge the gap between those who have 
and those who do not? How can I meet the needs of those who are 
seeking advanced learning? How can I share my surplus theological 
resources with the majority world? 

From the cases mentioned earlier, it is clear that theological librar-
ies in the West hold a wealth of knowledge waiting to be shared. By 
donating surplus books, we can empower theological education in 
the majority world, unlocking new perspectives and strengthening 
global Christian communities. Theological libraries in these regions 
often lack critical resources, hindering the ability of students and 
researchers to access foundational texts. Identifying and addressing 
these gaps can open new avenues for learning and growth. This is 
where my charity, Oxford Theology Resources Link, comes into play. 

WHAT TO DO: OXFORD THEOLOGY RESOURCES LINK

In addressing the core issues I have identified, the ultimate answer 
lies in the mission and activities of my charity, Oxford Theology 
Resources Link. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between sur-
plus academic theological books in the UK and theological libraries 
in need within the majority world. Our goal is to ensure that every 
community has access to the transformative power of theological 



208    ATL A 2024 PROCEEDINGS

knowledge. The Oxford Theology Resources Link operates based on 
three core principles. 

1) Providing Good Quality Academic Resources: Ensuring that 
the books sent are relevant and beneficial for academic and 
theological education.

2) Giving the Right to Choose: Allowing the recipient libraries 
to select the books they need most in line with their curricu-
lum and community.

3) Ongoing Support for Sustainability: Offering continuous 
support to ensure the long-term sustainability of the receiv-
ing libraries.

Through these efforts, we aim to bridge the gap and foster an envi-
ronment where theological education can thrive globally, benefiting 
from the wealth of resources available in the West.

Empowering Access
• Intellectual Nourishment: Robust theological collec-

tions inspire critical thinking, theological reflection, 
and the exchange of ideas.

• Educational Advancement: Access to theological 
resources can elevate educational opportunities, 
equipping the next generation of pastors, scholars, 
and community leaders.

• Contextual Relevance: Providing culturally appro-
priate materials ensures the content resonates with 
local contexts, fostering deeper engagement and 
application.

Sourcing Surplus
• Identifying Opportunity: We reach out to academ-

ics, seminaries, and libraries to uncover theological 
resources no longer needed.

• Sorting and Listing items: Donated books are care-
fully sorted and listed to ensure they meet the needs 
of recipient libraries.

• Coordinating Logistics: We arrange safe, legitimate 
and efficient transportation of donated books to 



Listen and Learn Sessions    209

their final destinations.

Delivery and distribution
• Packaging: Books are carefully packed with all rel-

evant paperwork for smooth processing.
• Shipping: We collaborate with logistics partners to 

ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Distribution: We work with local partners to effi-

ciently process customs clearance, then distribute 
books to theological libraries in need.

Collaborative Efforts
• Partnership: We foster collaborative relationships 

with organizations, charities and individuals to 
amplify our impact.

• Networking: We connect with a global commu-
nity of stakeholders to share knowledge and best 
practice.

• Teamwork: We leverage diverse skills and resources 
of volunteers to streamline the donation and distri-
bution process.

Contextual Relevance 
• Cultural Sensitivity: We are not dumping the books 

we no longer need. Where possible, we first send a 
list of available books then let the recipient library 
choose what they want to receive. 

• Topical Alignment: When direct selection is not 
possible, we consult with professional theological 
librarians in the UK to curate books to meet the 
needs of the recipient communities, maximizing 
accessibility and understanding.

• Ongoing Support: We maintain open communica-
tion with recipients to continuously improve the 
relevance and impact of the donated resources. 
Additionally, we offer ongoing training for 
library staff and volunteers to empower the local 
workforce. 



2 10    AT L A 2024 PROCEEDINGS

CONCLUSION

In an era of profound global disparity, the need to bridge the gap 
between surplus theological resources in the West and the press-
ing needs of libraries in the majority world has never been more 
critical. The Oxford Theology Resources Link seeks to address this 
imbalance by facilitating the transfer of valuable theological texts 
to regions where they are in urgent demand.

Our mission is driven by a recognition of the transformative 
power of theological education. By ensuring that high-quality aca-
demic resources reach those who need them, we aim to empower 
theological institutions in the majority world, fostering intellectual 
nourishment, educational advancement, and contextual relevance. 
Through a structured approach—ranging from sourcing surplus 
materials and managing logistics to fostering collaborative efforts 
and ensuring contextual sensitivity—our initiative is designed to 
maximise the impact of every book donated.

The process of bridging this resource gap involves not just the 
physical act of transferring books but also a commitment to under-
standing and addressing the specific needs of recipient libraries. 
By working closely with local partners and maintaining open lines 
of communication, we ensure that the donated resources are both 
relevant and effectively utilized.

The challenges are significant, but the potential for positive impact 
is immense. The Oxford Theology Resources Link stands as a testa-
ment to the power of collaboration and the profound difference that 
dedicated effort can make in enhancing global theological educa-
tion. As we continue to build and refine our approach, we remain 
committed to the goal of creating a more equitable distribution of 
theological knowledge, thereby strengthening Christian communities 
and advancing scholarly engagement across the globe.

In conclusion, the work of Oxford Theology Resources Link not 
only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term growth 
and sustainability in theological education worldwide. By connect-
ing surplus resources with those in need, we contribute to a more 
informed, educated, and spiritually-enriched global community.



Listen and Learn Sessions    211

If you are interested in this cause and want to learn more about 
Oxford Theology Resources Link, please visit our website at https://
oxfordtheologyresourceslink.web.ox.ac.uk. 

LINKS TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS MENTIONED

Association of British Theological and Philosophical Libraries 
(ABTAPL): https://abtapl.orgl.uk

European Theological Library Association (BETH): https://beth.eu

Kumi University: https://kumiuniversity.ac.ug

South Korean Theology University and Seminary Library Association 
(KTLA): https://ktla.or.kr

Sungkonghoe University (Anglican University in Seoul, South Korea): 
https://skhu.ac.kr

Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary: https://uets.edu.ua/
en/main/

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Clark, A. D. 1986. A History of the Church in Korea. Korea: The Christian 
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Faith Survey. n.d. “Christianity in the UK: Measuring the Christian 
Population in the UK.” Faith Survey. Accessed May 30, 2024. 
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Kang, Wi Jo. 1996. “The Legacy of Horace Newton Allen.” International 
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