“Experience of the Chinese Church in the 21st Century” will be the theme of the U.S. Catholic China Bureau’s 27th biennial national conference at St. John’s University, Jamaica, Aug. 11-13.

The conference will bring together clergy, religious brothers and sisters, and lay people of different backgrounds to share the hope and sufferings of the tested faithful in this frontier of evangelization.

Two keynote speakers will address the conference. Archbishop Eugene Nugent, Holy See Study Mission Director, Hong Kong, 2001-10, and presently the apostolic nuncio to Haiti, will address the topic of “Reconciliation in the Church: Experiences of the Church in China.” Father Joseph Zhang, a biblical scholar from China, will discuss, “Contemporary Chinese Catholicism: Present and Future Realities.”

Previous conferences were able to “balance policy discussion; pastoral and evangelization experience, and scholarly exchange, this year we will continue this heritage,” said Passionist Father Rob Carbonneau, Ph.D., executive director of the China Bureau.

Panelists will talk about historical and contemporary issues, ranging from missionary experiences and historical events and figures, to the situation of Chinese Protestants and the interaction between Chinese and American Catholics in today’s American society.

“A special highlight is a cohort of Chinese priests and sisters, who are currently working on their advanced degrees under the sponsorship of U.S.-based congregations and individuals,” noted Columban Father Tom Glennon, conference director.

“They will be sharing their individual ministries in different parts of China, their struggles and hope, as well as some facts about the Church in China. Their on-the-ground knowledge and witness will help build much understanding for American Catholics regarding the Church in China.

In addition to the educational sessions, a bilingual liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday afternoon and this Mass is open to the public. Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Ignatius Wang of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Calif., will preside and preach the homily. Following the Mass, a banquet will be held to honor the Matteo Ricci Award recipient: Maryknoll Sister Janet Carroll, founding executive director of the China Bureau.

For complete details, and to register, visit uscatholicchina.org.