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We at the US-China Catholic Association deeply appreciate the speakers that have agree to share their perspectives at our 30th Biennial Conference! In our latest YouTube Shorts, USCCA Board Secretary Prof. Anne Tsui, Ph.D., introduces two of our conference speakers. We invite you to view and share these videos with and friends, family, or colleagues who might be interested in joining us at the 30th Biennial Conference: Fr. Thomas Betz, OFM Cap. Sr. Xiaoping Guo If you and your friends cannot join us for the Conference, we hope you will consider supporting our mission by donating to help cover Conference expenses. Your support advances the USCCA's mission of peace, friendship and dialogue. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On May 16, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle will finish Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. Participants will consider the following discussion prompts from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: For our final session of the Book Circle before a summer break, we will read chapters 6 and 7 in Dan Wang's Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. Wang recapitulates his thesis that China and the US have much to learn from each other, being in many ways inverse images of one another. China can benefit from more pluralism, greater freedom for its people, and more genuine protection for individual rights of its citizens, while the US can transform itself through a renewed sense of physical dynamism if it learns to build again. The engineering state and the lawyerly society, fraught with their own ambiguities and challenges, can learn from each other. As we conclude this book, it is important to recognize that the author writes almost entirely from a politico-economical point of view. If we wish to ask deeper questions from a moral and spiritual perspective, we will have to marshal our own resources. With that in mind, I offer the following questions for your consideration as you read these two final chapters: 1) To rùn or not to rùn? -- This is the question facing many Chinese people today, who are feeling suffocated, alienated, or at a dead end. The phenomenon of rùn ? (p. 171) refers to the fact that many choose to run away from China to other countries in order to feel nourished. How does the book help you make sense of this phenomenon? 2) President Xi Jingping remarks during the Covid pandemic that China needs to become more "lovable" (p. 188). Dan Wang recognizes China's lack of cultural contribution and influence on the global stage compared to other East Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, attributing it at least partially to the restriction of intellectual and artistic freedom imposed by the state. Do you have any additional observations or insights into China's cultural clout or lack thereof? 3) Wang identifies an interesting difference between China and the US on page 231: "The United States has a distinctly ideological character as a nation, founded on values and principles rather than heritage; modern China is intent on proving that its historical heritage is glorious." What do you think of this assessment? 4) Wang suggests that America's greatest strength is its pluralism that inspires innovation, whereas China's advantage is its preservation of process knowledge that will ensure its continual development as a leader in manufacturing. This may or may not be your own evaluation of where China and the US find their greatest strengths. As a religious person, how would you comment on this? We are glad to share that Book Circle participants will now be able to use AI-generated captions for easier communication across language barriers. If you know of anyone who might be interested in the Book Circle, please invite them to sign up today via the Book Circle Interest Form! In the Fall semester, the Book Circle will resume with a new book: Yanfei Sun's Religious Change in Post-Mao China: Toward a New Sociology of Religion. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

Have you registered yet for the USCCA's upcoming 30th Biennial Conference, scheduled for July 31–August 2 at the University of St. Thomas in Houston? Our Early Bird discount will only remain open until May 1 at midnight (any time zone) — register today to save! Over the years, more than thirty missionary societies and religious orders have cultivated the gifts of greater dialogue and understanding among Catholics in China and in the Western hemisphere. Our latest YouTube video features none other than USCCA Executive Director Emeritus Father Robert Carbonneau, C.P., Ph.D., inviting our audience to come to the conference for opportunities to learn about the rich history of the Catholic Church in China: Click here to view this video message and share it with your friends. Even if you and your friends cannot join us for the Conference, we hope that you consider how you might support our mission by donating to help cover Conference expenses. Your support advances the USCCA's mission of peace, friendship and dialogue. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On April 18, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle discussed chapters 4–5 (pages 95–170) of Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. Participants discussed the history and aftermath of China's one-child policy, the "zero COVID" approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ways in which these policies may have been informed by an 'engineering' mindset. Sharing Wang's concern about the reach of technical control which can be exerted by society's engineers, participants also discussed cultural and ideological counterpoints which might prevent the potential excesses of such a technical mindset. Catholic Social Teaching, Daoism, and aspects of Confucian thought were examined as possible checks and balances against human tendencies to over-reliance on social engineering. Our last Book Circle discussion of the Spring 2026 semester is scheduled for May 15; we will be finishing Dan Wang's Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. In the Fall semester, the Book Circle will resume with a new book: Yanfei Sun's Religious Change in Post-Mao China: Toward a New Sociology of Religion. If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates today! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to register for our upcoming 30th International Conference. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On April 18, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle will discuss chapters 4–5 (pages 95–170) of Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. In preparation for the discussion, Book Circle participants have been considering the following discussion prompts from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: This month we are reading chapters 4 and 5 of Dan Wang's book, which deal with two very difficult topics of modern Chinese politics: the one-child birth control policy and the "zero Covid" pandemic control that agonized the country only a few years ago. The close-up observations of these two phenomena reveal the "merits and madnesses" (page 129) of the engineering state. You are invited to ponder the following questions as you read: 1) The one-child policy was inspired by the modern Western science of cybernetics (100-103), which contained an early version of dogmatic faith in artificial intelligence. How do the stories of this policy and of "zero Covid" help you understand the allures and perils of scientific promise? How do they help you negotiate the relationship between science and moral/spiritual matters that are closer to the heart? 2) On page 118, Dan Wang comments that at the most critical juncture, the country lacked "intellectual antibodies" to resist the adoption of the one-child policy. How will you interpret this very interesting phrase, "intellectual antibodies?" How important are they? What, if any, types of "intellectual antibodies" are available to Chinese society as it continues to face its particular challenges? 3) What questions do you have based on this reading? If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates today! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to register for our upcoming 30th International Conference. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We are looking forward to July 31–August 2, when our 30th Biennial Conference will take place at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX.  In fact, we are so excited to see you that we have extended the deadline for our Early Bird discount to May 1, 2026! We invite you to act today by  registering as an attendee of our upcoming Biennial Conference .  Even if you cannot join us for the Conference, we hope that you consider how you might support our mission by donating to help cover Conference expenses  or by spreading the word with our Press Release .  ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We are glad to share that the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA) has opened registration for the third session in their free webinar series on the topic of "Welcoming Chinese International Students." The third webinar, scheduled for 7PM–8PM on April 14, 2026, will focus on "Forming Student Leaders to Accompany Chinese International Students with Care, Sensitivity, and Confidence." We invite you to learn more and register on the CCMA website. For more opportunities to learn about friendship and dialogue between the people of the U.S. and the people of China, we invite you to register today as an attendee of our upcoming Biennial Conference. Even if you cannot join us for the Conference, we hope that you consider how you might support our mission by donating to help cover Conference expenses or by spreading the word with our Press Release. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On March 21, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle discussed chapters 1–3 (pages 1–94) of Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. As they discussed the opening chapters of Wang's work, participants discussed the differing approaches to governance and economics taken by the United States and China in recent times, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. Aside from broader socioeconomic trends and effects, participants also discussed the psychological impact of modern society in both countries on the experience of the individual. While technological progress has brought great material prosperity, participants observed that the erosion of tradition and familial ties remains problematic for mental health and well-being. Ultimately, it was suggested that the U.S. and China have much to learn from each other, in terms of both modern technology and traditional wisdom. Our next Book Circle discussion will be held on April 18, 2026, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 9 PM Chinese Standard Time. We will be discussing chapters 4–5 (pages 95–170) of Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates today! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to read about our upcoming 30th International Conference. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We at the USCCA are glad to announce the release of our 2025 Annual Report, highlighting some of our last year's accomplishments and aspirations as we carry them forward into 2026. We invite you to read the latest Annual Report . We hope that you find our Annual Report informative and edifying as we work together toward dialogue, peace, and friendship. For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to register today for our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

The next USCCA Book Circle discussion will be held on March 21, 2026, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 9 PM Chinese Standard Time. Due to Daylight Savings customs, the time of our discussions have changed back to 9PM instead of 10PM Chinese Standard Time. Participants will be discussing chapters 1–3 (pages 1–94) of Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. Participants are encouraged to consider the following discussion prompts from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: 1) How has China benefited from the engineering vision of its leaders? What are some negative consequences? 2) What has surprised you the most in this reading? 3) What questions come up for you from this reading? If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates today! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to register today for our upcoming 30th International Conference. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

In partnership with ChinaSource and the China Academic Consortium, the US-China Catholic Association co-hosts free public lectures through the Speaker Series. We are thrilled to announce two upcoming free public lectures in the coming weeks! On March 20, via Zoom, retired US Government China specialist Gregory J. Nedved will share his perspective on "Clash of Civilizations: China, the United States, and Religion (Catholicism)." Mr. Nedved retired in 2024 from his role as a historian at the Center for Cryptologic History, where he had worked since 2011; prior to that, he worked as an analyst, translator, and instructor of the Chinese language. He is a two-time winner of the Cryptologic Literature Award for China-related topics. We invite you to click here to learn more and to register for Gregory J. Nedved's free virtual public lecture . On March 26, in Minnesota's Twin Cities area, Joann Pittman will give a lecture on "Christianity in China Beyond the Headlines." At ChinaSource , Ms. Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of the ZGBriefs newsletter. Prior to that, she spent 28 years in China as a teacher, student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer. She is also the author of Survival Chinese Lessons and The Bells Are Not Silent: Stories of Church Bells in China . We invite you to click here to read more and to register for Joann Pittman's upcoming public lecture . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

The US-China Catholic Association is thrilled to announce that registration is now open to the public for attendance at our 30th Biennial Conference . Scheduled for July 31–August 2, 2026, at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX, this conference will place special emphasis on the theme of "Nourishing Trust and Friendship: Following the Way of Christ."  This conference is sure to be an unforgettable opportunity to build bridges of friendship among lay and religious brothers and sisters from around the world. We invite you to register today as an attendee of the 30th USCCA Biennial Conference . We are pleased to offer an early bird discount of $50, 25% savings, to all who register before April 15th. In support of students, clergy, and religious, we offer an additional 50% off the standard early bird special. These offers end April 15, so register today! We invite you to share our official press release and our email newsletter subscription form with anyone you know who might be interested in the upcoming 30th Biennial Conference. With your help and sharing of our message, we know you can help us make this conference a true opportunity for friendship and dialogue. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.