SWEDISH MISSIOLOGICAL THEMES SVENSK MISSIONSTIDSKRIFT

480 Christopher Steed
language and format. Firstly, SMT gained an English language title along
with its Swedish name, to match its Swedish abbreviation. Secondly, SMT’s
readership has become international, with the switch to publishing most
articles in English. This has allowed Swedish scholars and researchers to
reach an international audience while still publishing in a national, or ‘home’,
periodical. Thirdly, from being mainly connected with the University of
Uppsala, the Editorial Board has expanded to reflect a more nationally
balanced representation of mission studies in Sweden. In particular, this
has meant harnessing the recent growth of the discipline at the University
of Lund, and also appointing members from other Swedish universities
and colleges.
The international character of SMT has similarly attracted our Nordic
missiological colleagues, as it has given them the opportunity to write in an
international language while still permitting them to be published in a
Scandinavian/Swedish journal. This Nordic input has been especially
appreciated, not least the co-operation with the Nordic Institute for
Missionary and Ecumenical Research, whose annual papers SMT have
published during recent years.
SMT has always encouraged scholars and doctoral students from developing
countries to submit papers, especially when it may be difficult for them to
publish their research locally. Every Editor of a periodical has his or her
own specific research interests and academic connections; the present Editor
has particular associations with Africa. This has meant, for example, that
we have been able to publish a large number of articles from Nigerian and
Zimbabwean academics, many of whom may otherwise have been impeded
in having their research disseminated internationally.
It remains for the retiring Editor to express his appreciation for the support
and encouragement he has received since 1995 from SMT’s Editorial Board,
the two Consultant Editors, and the Editorial Secretary. Finally, he wishes
the future Editor much successful and satisfaction in helping to steer SMT
to its centenary.