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We are glad to share that Board Chair Peter Tan and Executive Director Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang are organizing a group tour of China scheduled for April 17–27, 2026! For a fraction of the typical rate for such a trip, the tour will be visiting five beautiful Chinese cities rich with history, culture, and faith. We invite you to learn more by downloading the brochure for details on the daily itinerary, registration process, and other important information. This tour's registration deadline is January 30, 2026 . We look forward to seeing you in Beijing (北京)! Peter Tan has many years of experience organizing and leading such tours. It will be a wonderful cultural experience of China's most interesting cities. ---------------------- 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 closing in on the end of the US-China Catholic Association's  Annual Appeal . We are encouraged and emboldened by the generosity of supporters like you, who continue to make our mission of peace and friendship possible. To learn more about our latest work, we invite you to read the Appeal Letter  written by our Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang. Thanks to four generous contributors, donations that we receive before the end of the year will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum matched amount of $20,000! By making your tax-deductible donation today, you can maximize the impact of your gift to the USCCA. All contributions to our mission—financial and spiritual—are deeply appreciated. Thank you for accompanying us in 2025—and may you enjoy a Happy New Year in 2026. ---------------------- 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.

by Fr. Joseph Ruan of Holy Rosary Church, Staten Island, New York From August 25–29, 2025, Chinese-speaking Catholic priests serving across the United States gathered in Chicago for five days of fraternity, reflection, pastoral sharing, and spiritual renewal. Hosted generously by the Congregation of the Mission (CM), the gathering strengthened the bonds among priests, offered space for honest conversation and learning, and opened new horizons for future collaboration in service to the Chinese Catholic community. Day 1 — Arrival and Welcome On August 25, priests arrived at the CM residence in Chicago, where they were warmly welcomed by the Vincentian community. After dinner, Fr. Shu-xin Zhang facilitated introductions and open conversation. The atmosphere was relaxed and fraternal, allowing everyone to begin the gathering with trust, joy, and renewed companionship. Evening gathering and sharing session on the first day. Day Two – Mission Reflection and City Exploration The morning of August 26 featured a presentation by Fr. Hugh, CM, who has accompanied Chinese priests and religious sisters for eight years. He invited participants to reflect deeply on three pastoral questions: What is good to keep? What is good but needs improvement? What is still missing? He also encouraged priests to revisit their own vocation through two personal questions: What do you love in your priesthood? What unique gifts does your Chinese community contribute to your parish? In the afternoon, the group enjoyed a relaxing tour of downtown Chicago, including a river-and-lake cruise and a visit to Millennium Park—an opportunity to rest, converse, and delight in the beauty of the city. Priests enjoying fraternity on the Chicago River cruise. That evening, Fr. Chun-xiang Zhang led a rich session on “The Four Dimensions of Priestly Growth”: human formation, spiritual formation, intellectual formation, and pastoral formation. Day Three – Pastoral Exchange and Pilgrimage On the morning of August 27, priests shared openly about parish life, pastoral challenges, and personal experiences. At 11 a.m., Passionist Father Rob C. introduced the US Chinese Catholic Association and explored future collaboration with Chinese-speaking parishes and communities nationwide. After lunch, the group made a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Thérèse, followed by Mass at St. Thérèse Church at 4:30 p.m. Priests gathered after celebrating Mass during the pilgrimage. In the evening, Chicago priest Fr. Francis Li led a reflection on the Parable of the Sower, highlighting the priest’s threefold identity as disciple, shepherd, and steward. He emphasized synodality—walking together, recovering the original fire of vocation, and embracing leadership grounded in generosity and pastoral charity. Day Four – Seminary Visit and Archdiocesan Encounter On August 28, the group visited Mundelein Seminary, experiencing one of the country’s most historic and vibrant centers of priestly formation. In the afternoon, the priests met with Cardinal Blase Cupich and toured Holy Name Cathedral—a meaningful encounter that expressed the Archdiocese’s support for Chinese ministry. Group photo of priests meeting with Cardinal Blase Cupich. Before dinner, the group enjoyed informal social time with the CM community. In the evening, Fr. Yong-qiang Xu guided a session of reflection and planning. Participants shared their impressions—light, open, joyful, enriching, and fraternal. They confirmed several decisions: an annual in-person gathering, quarterly online meetings, and maintaining continuity in the leadership team. Day Five – Sending Forth On August 29, the final Mass concluded the gathering in a spirit of gratitude and renewed mission. After heartfelt farewells, priests returned to their parishes refreshed and strengthened, carrying with them the joy of fraternity and a deeper commitment to serving the People of God. Shared meal and joyful fellowship among priests. Words of Thanks The success of this gathering rests on many generous contributions: Deep gratitude to Fr. Hugh and the Congregation of the Mission (CM) for their support, hospitality, and many years of dedication to Chinese priests and sisters. Warm thanks to the entire Vincentian community for offering a home where fraternity and renewal could flourish. Special appreciation to Fr. Francis Li of Chicago for his tireless planning, coordination, and gracious hosting throughout the gathering. May God bless all who serve the Chinese Catholic faithful in the United States. May our shared mission continue to grow in communion, hope, and charity. Reverend Guozhang (Joseph) Ruan is a Chinese Apostolate (In Residence) of Holy Rosary Church in Staten Island, New York. ---------------------- 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.

There are only 9 more days left of the US-China Catholic Association's  Annual Appeal ! By making your tax-deductible donation today, you can help us carry our mission of peace and dialogue through 2026 and beyond. For more information about our work, we invite you to read the Appeal Letter written by our Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang. Thanks to four generous contributors, donations that we receive before the end of the year will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum matched amount of $20,000! Thank you for considering how you might make a positive impact through your support of peace and dialogue among the people of the United States and the people of China. ---------------------- 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 December 13, 2025, the US-China Catholic Association discussed the section entitled "Water and Wine: Chinese Ethics and the Christian Faith" (pp. 173–197) in John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality . Image from Angelico Press Over a dozen participants gathered virtually to discuss Wu's exploration of human relationships as they are understood in Christian spirituality and in Chinese humanistic thought. Reflecting on the strong Chinese tradition of filial piety, for example, participants reflected on Jesus' loving referral to God the Father, as well as the ways in which family life informed St. Thérèse of Lisieux's understanding of her relationship with God. With regard to marriage, participants discussed parallels between the Catholic view of the sanctity of marriage and traditional Chinese practices which framed married couples as destined pairs. The importance of friendship was also recalled in Buddhist teachings as well as in the writings of the historic Catholic missionary to China, Matteo Ricci. The Book Circle will resume in 2026. For the latest news, updates, and invitations, please sign up for Book Circle email updates  today , and invite your friends to do the same! 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 . USCCA programs like the Book Circle and International Conferences are made possible by supporters like you; even if you cannot participate directly, we ask that you please consider how you might contribute to our mission by way of our Annual Appeal . ---------------------- 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.

by Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang, Executive Director of the USCCA My Dear Friends in Christ, I hope and pray that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying a Spirit-filled Advent season. Personally, this Advent, I am reflecting on how I can better prepare my heart to be more obedient to the Lord’s will. God is definitely working on me. We are now less than three weeks away from completing our annual appeal , and I’m grateful to share a special blessing with you. We have four generous contributors who have agreed to participate in a matching donation period—up to $20,000! From now until the end of the year, every dollar we receive will be matched dollar for dollar, up to that amount. If you donate $100, the association will receive an additional $100. If you donate $1,000, we will receive an additional $1,000. I kindly ask you to prayerfully consider contributing —especially if you have not yet done so. Please also share this opportunity with your family and friends so that, together, we can reach this very achievable goal. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. As always, know that you remain in my prayers. God Bless! Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang Executive Director, US-China Catholic Association ---------------------- 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 excited to announce two keynote speakers for the USCCA's upcoming 2026 USCCA Conference ! Fr. Thomas Betz, OFM Cap., will be presenting on the topic of "Nourishing Trust and Friendship: Chinese Catholics in America Following the Way of Christ." Fenggang Yang, Ph.D., will be presenting on the topic of "Transforming Guanxi : Chinese Christian Transnational Ties and the Making of Social and Spiritual Capital."  We invite you to read more on the  2026 Conference Keynote Speakers webpage . We will be accepting submissions from prospective conference presenters until February 15, 2026. Registration will be open for conference attendees on the day of the Lantern Festival, March 3, 2026. ---------------------- 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 December 13, 2025, the US-China Catholic Association will discuss the section entitled "Water and Wine: Chinese Ethics and the Christian Faith" (pp. 173–197) in John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality . Image from Angelico Press In preparation for the discussion, participants are invited to consider the following discussion prompt from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: We will read the final chapter of John Wu's book, "Water and Wine: Chinese Ethics and the Christian Faith." Guided by Wu's masterful presentation, we will meditate on the cross-fertilization between the Christian faith and the Confucian teaching about the five cardinal relationships. These relationships concern those between parent and child, older and younger siblings, husband and wife, prince and minister, and between friends. We will discuss each of these relationships in turn. What specific statements or ideas from Wu resonate with you the most? How might the Chinese benefit from Christian theology in their daily living of these relationships? How might Western Christians benefit from the Confucian perspective? The discussion will be held virtually via Zoom at 6AM PT / 7AM MT / 8AM CT / 9AM ET / 10PM Chinese Standard Time. If you have not yet joined us for a Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates  today , and invite your friends to do the same! 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 . USCCA programs like the Book Circle and International Conferences are made possible by supporters like you; even if you cannot participate directly, we ask that you please consider how you might contribute to our mission by way of our Annual Appeal . ---------------------- 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.

Today is Giving Tuesday, when people around the world come together in support of organizations and causes oriented towards the common good. Will you celebrate this day of giving by donating to the Annual Appeal of the US-China Catholic Association ? For more information about the past, present, and future of our mission, we invite you to read the Annual Appeal Letter written by our Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang. As the New York Times reports , Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 to "give people a way to pivot back to the values of community and gratitude celebrated on Thanksgiving after Black Friday and Cyber Monday." Since then, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has developed into a worldwide celebration of generosity and support. As one of our donors recently remarked, "It is a blessing to be able to support peace and dialogue among my brothers and sisters in Christ." Today, we ask that you please consider how you might contribute to this mission by way of our Annual Appeal . ---------------------- 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.

For our upcoming 30th USCCA International Conference , we are calling for you to share your work on promoting friendship, dialogue, and peace between people in China and the USA in your role as intellectuals, community leaders, members of religious organizations, and workers of nonprofit agencies. The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2026. At our last conference, hosted in 2024 at DePaul University, over 130 participants from lay and religious backgrounds learned from each other about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China. Our 2026 conference will be hosted at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas; the theme will be "Nourishing Trust and Friendship: Following the Way of Christ." We have two keynote speakers confirmed; their names will be announced soon to subscribers of our email newsletter . In the meantime, we invite you to read more about our upcoming conference in the Call for Submissions . USCCA International Conferences are made possible by supporters like you; even if you cannot participate directly, we ask that you please consider how you might contribute to our mission by way of our Annual Appeal . ---------------------- 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.

About the Event: For almost a century, Chinese leaders have pursued an agenda of top-down secularization, with most religions heavily persecuted or banned. However, religion is now back at the center of Chinese society and politics, with the country awash with new temples, churches, and mosques—as well as cults, sects, and politicians trying to harness religion for their own ends. And now, at the same time that it is demolishing churches and detaining Muslims in reeducation camps, the government is promoting Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion. What sense are outsiders to make of these seeming contradictory policies? How do Chinese leaders intend to manage the tension between an atheistic state and a constitution that guarantees freedom of religious belief? What do these policies this say about China’s participation in the larger global community? Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Ian Johnson has lived in China for more than 20 years, following the country’s search for values, faith, and new ways of organizing society. About ian johnson: Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Ian Johnson has lived in China for more than 20 years, following the country's search for values, faith, and new ways of organizing society. For more than a hundred years, China embarked on a movement of forced secularization, with most religions heavily persecuted or banned. But religion is now back at the center of Chinese society and politics, with the country awash with new temples, churches, and mosques - as well as cults, sects, and politicians trying to harness religion for their own ends. Churches are being demolished and Muslims forced to attend reeducation camps, while the government is also promoting Buddhism and folk religion. How to reconcile these contradictory claims? Ian Johnson is a Pulitzer-Prize winning writer focusing on society, religion, and history. He works out of Beijing for The New York Times , The New York Review of Books , and other publications. He teaches undergraduates at The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies , and has served as an advisor to academic journals and think tanks, such as the Journal of Asian Studies , the Berlin-based think tank Merics , and New York University's Center for Religion and Media . In 2018, he was accepted as a doctoral candidate at Germany's Leipzig University, where he is writing a thesis on Chinese religious groups and their relationship to the state. For more information on Ian Johnson, visit his website: http://www.ian-johnson.com/bio . The Presentation: Selected Works by Ian Johnson (张彦) The Souls of China: The Return of Religion after Mao (2018) The Souls of China tells the story of one of the world’s great spiritual revivals. Following a century of violent anti-religious campaigns, China is now filled with new temples, churches, and mosques—as well as cults, sects, and politicians trying to harness religion for their own ends. Driving this explosion of faith is the quest for identity and meaning: What does it mean to be Chinese in the modern world? And how does one live an ethical life in a country that has savaged its own moral traditions for over a century, even before the current regime came to power? ​ For six years, Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Ian Johnson lived for extended periods with three religious communities: the underground Early Rain Protestant congregation in Chengdu, the Ni family’s Buddhist pilgrimage association in Beijing, and yinyang Daoist priests in rural Shanxi. Johnson distills these experiences into a cycle of festivals, births, deaths, detentions, and struggle that reveals the hearts and minds of the Chinese people—a great awakening of faith that is shaping the soul of the world’s newest superpower. Wild Grass: Three Portraits of Change in Modern China (2005) In Wild Grass, Pulitzer Prize—winning journalist Ian Johnson tells the stories of three ordinary Chinese citizens moved to extraordinary acts of courage: a peasant legal clerk who filed a class-action suit on behalf of overtaxed farmers, a young architect who defended the rights of dispossessed homeowners, and a bereaved woman who tried to find out why her elderly mother had been beaten to death in police custody. Representing the first cracks in the otherwise seamless façade of Communist Party control, these small acts of resistance demonstrate the unconquerable power of the human conscience and prophesy an increasingly open political future for China.

Why are there so many Catholic churches in Hebei Province? And why so many Protestant Churches in Anhui? When thinking about missions, we don’t always consider geography, yet the five official religions in China are very geographically concentrated. On Thursday, June 16th, 2022, Dr. Fenggang Yang gave a lecture entitled, “Where Are the Churches in China? And Why? Geographical Patterns of Church Development.” In it, he presented the geographical distribution of Catholic and Protestant churches in China, discussed several distinctive characteristics of the churches and their locations, and traced some of the historical and social patterns of church development. about dr. Fenggang Yang Dr. Fenggang Yang is a professor of sociology at Purdue University and the director of the Center on Religion and the Global East. His primary research interests include the sociology of religion, religious change in China, and immigrant religion in the United States. Dr. Yang has authored numerous articles and books, in both Chinese and English. His most recent book in English is Atlas of Religion in China: Social and Geographical Contexts (2018). The Presentation further resources Dr. Yang's Purdue Faculty Page > Center on Religion and the Global East > Scholarly Works by Dr. Yang >