YouTube Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome and Workshop Setup00:36 Density Tower Metaphor02:14 Justin’s Refugee Story04:24 Generations as Strangers05:52 Wisdom Both Ways08:10 Hope and Harmony Defined11:01 Michele on Asian Churches14:40 Ephesians and Breaking Walls16:53 Culture Maps and Responses22:10 Dialogue Principles and Prompts30:41 Closing Invitation to Share

Photo credit (thumbnail): Jacob Him, Svolta Film

📄 Burmese/English Bilingual Resources 📄Workshop slides: https://ourstoriesourfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Indianapolis_Coping-When-A-Loved-One-Struggles-with-Addiction-1.pdfWorkshop handout: https://ourstoriesourfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Indianapolis_Worksheet_Coping-When-A-Loved-One-Struggles-with-Addiction-1.pdf

This workshop offers practical support for families and friends navigating the challenges of a loved one’s addiction. Participants will learn skills for setting healthy boundaries, communicating effectively, and caring for their own wellbeing while supporting someone in recovery.

Tansy Kadoe, LMFT was born and raised in Burma and immigrated to the United States in 1993, following the pro-democracy uprisings of 1988 that disrupted education and intensified civil conflict. She belongs to the Karen ethnic group, one of the largest minority communities in Burma, and remains deeply connected to her people through church, counseling, and storytelling ministries. She and her husband were part of the group that started the Arizona Karen Baptist Church, which now has more than 400 members. Beyond her local community, she has worked closely with the network of 133 Karen Baptist churches across the United States.

Professionally, Tansy initially trained in business, earning an undergraduate degree in finance and economics and an MBA in business leadership. At age forty, motivated by the suffering and needs of resettled Burmese refugees, she pursued a second career in counseling. She earned her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2016 and has practiced as a licensed therapist in Phoenix since then. She is now pursuing a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller, focusing on developing models of lay counseling and peer counseling within ethnic churches.

Photo credit (thumbnail & slide): Jacob Him, Svolta Film

Photo credit (thumbnail): Jacob Him, Svolta Film

Meet the Oral History Fellows

Bawitin Par currently works as a home-based case manager, supporting individuals and families through compassionate care and advocacy. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling and Clinical Counseling in Mental Health, integrating faith-based principles with professional counseling practices. In addition to academic and professional responsibilities, Bawitin serves as a Ministry Assistant for the High School Ministry, where she is passionate about mentoring and encouraging young people in their spiritual growth. Through her work, studies, and ministry involvement, she is committed to serving others with empathy, integrity, and Christ-centered guidance.

Ciin Kham is a Licensed Minister and LMFTA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate) serving the southside community of Indianapolis. With a deep passion for supporting the Burmese diaspora facing mental health challenges, Ciin offers holistic care that integrates clinical expertise with faith-based counseling. Their work fosters emotional healing and spiritual growth through culturally sensitive support, practical teaching, and accessible resources. Rooted in compassion, clarity, and hope, Ciin equips individuals and communities to thrive in both faith and life.

Ma May Si, also known as Maysi, is a passionate Matu Chin leader in the community. She obtained her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Missouri-Columbia, with an emphasis in Promotion and Policy, and recently moved to Indiana to reunite with family and to better serve the Burmese community. Maysi currently serves as the Vice President for the Matu Affairs Organization USA, volunteers at the Chin Center, and is a youth leader at her church in Indianapolis. Through the OSOF Fellows Program, she hopes to amplify the stories of the Burmese Christian diaspora and highlight the profound role God has played in the lives of community members.

Van Sui is the founder of JeSui Strategies, a Kingdom-focused public affairs, political, and government affairs consulting firm. She is a civic leader who demonstrates leadership through government and community services. Van has participated in competitive leadership programs such as the Global Young Diplomats Forum, Global Leadership Series, and National Leadership Academy of Congressional Studies in Washington, D.C. She earned a master’s in leadership and public service (LPS) and a bachelor’s in political science, philosophy, and economics (PPE), both from private Christian universities. As a pastor’s kid, Van grew up in a church-centered environment in Burma/Myanmar. She came to the U.S. in 2013 and has called Indiana home since then.

Photo credit (thumbnail): Jacob Him, Svolta Film

Download Rev. Dr. Hrang's presentation slides here: https://ourstoriesourfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Social-History-of-Myanmar-Diaspora-.pptx.pdf.

“The history of the Myanmar diaspora in the United States is not one single story. It is a story of many people: Chin, Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Rohingya, and others. Many came not simply as immigrants seeking opportunity, but as refugees fleeing dictatorship, civil war, ethnic persecution, religious discrimination, poverty, and displacement. Their story is a story of struggles, hardships, challenges, and resilience. Their story reminds us that being a refugee is not only about finding a new country. It is about rebuilding human dignity, preserving memory, forming faith, and preparing the next generation.”

Rev. Hrang Hlei, PhD came to the US in 2006 as a seminary student, and currently serves as the Congregational Care Pastor at Indiana Chin Baptist Church, Indiana. He was recently elected the new General Secretary for Chin Baptist Churches, USA, which connects over a hundred local congregations across the country. He did his doctoral research among the Chin immigrant churches and published it as The Formation of Chin Immigrant Congregations in the United States: Discovering Their Ecclesiological Identities. Rev. Hlei is passionate about helping and nurturing immigrant churches in God’s calling to preach the gospel and make disciples here in the US and beyond. He is an ordained minister of American Baptist Churches, USA, and in his free time he enjoys watching historical documentary movies.

Photo credit (thumbnail): Jacob Him, Svolta Film

Download Dr. Pum Za Mang's manuscript here: https://ourstoriesourfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Pum-Za-Mang-Manuscript-Scripture-and-the-Scattered-Church_-A-Biblical-Theology-of-Migration-and-Gods-Faithfulness-.docx.pdf.

"When Burmese Christian immigrants left Burma, India, Malaysia, and Thailand for the United States, they brought with them nothing but their own bodies and the clothes on their backs. Upon arrival in the United States, they have built their new lives: they founded churches, communities, businesses, and more. Their story of notable transformation has been a testament to the abiding love, amazing grace, and enduring faithfulness of God."

Pum Za Mang, educated at Luther Seminary (Ph.D.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (M.A), is associate professor of world Christianity at Myanmar Institute of Theology. He is presently a visiting scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ.His writings have appeared in Asia Journal of Theology, Christianity Today, Church History, Journal of Church and State, Church History and Religious Culture, International Review of Mission, International Bulletin of Mission Research, International Journal of Public Theology, Studies in World Christianity, The Review of Faith & International Affairs, and Theology Today, among other journals.

Photo credit (thumbnail): Jacob Him, Svolta Film

00:00 Welcome and Prayer: Rev. Michele Turek (ABHMS)01:29 Conference Welcome: Naw Eh Phaw15:19 Sponsor Greetings: David Chao (CAAC), Tommy Dyo (Epic Movement), Michele Turek (ABHMS), and Tim Tseng (AACHI)22:24 Burma Diaspora Leaders Welcome: Ci Lian Kap (CBANA), Hrang Hlei (CBCUSA), Lian Hang Do (First Zo Baptist Church in GA), Joseph Liana (Mizo Christian Church)33:21 Psalm 77 Devotion: Rev. Michele Turek42:08 Conference Vision and Themes: David Chao56:55 Closing Prayer

The Our Stories, Our Faith conference series is produced by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary, the Asian American Christian History Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary, the Asian Ministries of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, and Epic Movement, a ministry of Cru.

🔗 Links

* Falam Baptist Church of Indiana: https://fbciusa.org/

* Chin Baptist Association of North America (CBANA): https://www.cbana.us/

* Chin Baptist Churches USA (CBCUSA): https://cbcusa.org/

* Center for Asian American Christianity (CAAC): https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/

* Imagine Otherwise by CAAC:

* Epic Movement, a ministry of Cru: https://epicmovement.com/

* American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS): https://abhms.org/

* ABHMS Scholarships & Grants: https://abhms.org/empowering-leaders/scholarships-grants

* Asian American Christian History Institute (AACHI): https://aac.fuller.edu/initiatives/asian-american-christian-history-institute/

* Pearl Dive by AACHI: https://pearldive.net/

* Burma Diaspora Christianity Project: https://fulleraachi.substack.com/t/burmese-american

Photo credit (thumbnail): Jacob Him, Svolta Film

What do we do when the ruptures we face have no easy resolution? At both the individual and collective levels, many Asian Americans suffer from deep relational wounds that cannot be repaired because the other party is gone or because interactions with them harm us. When that happens, we are left with emotional hurricanes that disrupt our sense of normalcy and safety, as well as our ability to connect to God, ourselves and those with whom we desire to continue relationship.

In our time together, we will seek healing by applying frameworks that help us make meaning of what we are experiencing, learning to be present to our emotions in God’s presence, and exploring practices that facilitate healing in the absence of the other party. This workshop will involve optional opportunities for group participation with guidelines for creating safety as we share and listen to one another. Bringing a journal or writing surface is recommended.

Eunhyey Lok is a licensed marriage and family therapist, ordained pastor and spiritual director. She has been privileged to work in both therapy and spiritual direction with couples and individuals, particularly leaders in Christian ministry as well as cross-cultural and international NGO workers for 15 years. She provides a space to heal, recover and breathe for those experiencing burnout as they care for others.

Eunhyey received her MS MFT from Fuller Seminary. Formerly, she served as Director of Outreach and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at the now closed Asian American Christian Counseling Service. Before that, she worked as the Mobilization Director for Reah International and worked closely with field workers based in North Korea and NE China.

You can learn more about her work in therapy at eunhyeylok.com and about giving spiritual direction at direction.eunhyeylok.com.

00:00 Workshop Introduction01:28 Framing Unresolved Ruptures02:55 Word Cloud Check In03:47 Trauma Context and Care Gaps07:23 Body First Healing08:18 Nervous System Basics12:26 Personal Rupture Stories15:57 Three Movement Practice19:12 Guided SIIFT Exercise27:11 Sharing and Holding Space28:54 Wrestling With the Why34:44 When Repair Is Not Wise37:31 Holy Week Addendum39:08 Closing Blessing

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Time Stamps00:00 Introduction01:55 Welcome and Purpose02:59 Tansy's Story and Example of Rupture06:31 Definition of Family Rupture07:14 Congruence and Honoring Self, Others, and Context10:31 Systemic Forces on Self13:54 Family Messages Collide19:01 Repair Framework H.O.N.O.R.19:54 Heart Awareness Scenario23:47 Observe Patterns and Stances25:09 Name Cultural Forces28:19 Open Bridge to Self33:40 Bridge to Others35:36 Bridge to Context39:04 Rest and Closing Meditation

Photo by Erika Giraud on Unsplash

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Family rupture in Asian American contexts is shaped by immigration narratives, cultural scripts, and intergenerational silence that can sometimes fuel disconnect and distance. This plenary explores the sources of familial rupture and offers a multi-layered framework for repair that integrates intrapersonal reflection, neurobiological regulation, and relational attunement while honoring generational distinctions and Asian American relational ethics. The conversation will be grounded in the reality that repair is sanctification work—a decades-long journey across seasons of life that finds its sustaining hope not in resolution but in Christ who came to give us fullness of life.

Jessica ChenFeng, PhD, LMFT is an associate professor of marriage and family therapy and DMFT program chair at Fuller Theological Seminary, and an associate editor for Family Process journal. She has been a practicing MFT for almost 20 years and consults with academic, healthcare and church organizations to improve the well-being of people within their communities. Her research and clinical work center around social contextual intersections of race, gender, generation, trauma, and spirituality. She is the director of the Asian American Well-being Collaboratory and co-author of Finding Your Voice as a Beginning Marriage and Family Therapist and co-editor of Asian American Identities, Relationships, and Post-Migration Legacies.Time Stamps:00:00 Speaker Introduction01:58 Jessica Opening Reflection02:42 First Client and Calling09:05 A New Moment for the Asian American Church12:12 Presentation Framework12:58 Theological Reflections: Sanctification as a Long Faithfulness16:46 Case Study20:17 Relational Systems Framework27:31 Shame and Therapy Pathways31:51 Common Asian American Family Ruptures34:55 Understanding Rupture39:56 Postures of Repair43:07 The Work of Repair44:59 Repair with Parents, Spouse, and Kids49:44 A Long Faithfulness Closing

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

This plenary examines subtle and often unseen relational ruptures within church communities - - those marked not by open conflict, but by emotional withdrawal, quiet disengagement, and unspoken disconnection. Within many Asian and Christian cultural contexts, values such as harmony, endurance, respect for authority, and sacrificial service may unintentionally foster the concealment of hurt, discouraging lament, repair, and honest confrontation. This plenary seeks to give insight into how these unacknowledged ruptures affect spiritual vitality and community belonging. It also seeks to offer a hopeful vision for how church communities can be a place of healing, connection, and repair.

Christina Lee Kim, PhD, is an associate professor of psychology at Biola University, associate dean in the Rosemead School of Psychology, chair of undergraduate psychology, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her teaching, research, and professional work focus on cross-cultural and multicultural psychology, mental health and the church, Asian American psychology, and qualitative research methods. In this lecture, Dr. Kim reflects on how hidden ruptures can form within Asian American Christian communities and how the church can become a place of honest naming, repair, reconciliation, and healing.Time Stamps:01:42 Hidden Ruptures Focus06:53 Termites And Tension10:00 Needs Beneath Rupture17:34 Harmony Face And Shame28:56 Why We Stay Silent38:28 Spotting Hidden Signs44:15 Under And Over Responding

Photo by Jackson Simmer on Unsplash

Photo by Grab on Unsplash

The conversation also delves into Craig’s ministry journey, from Chinese immigrant church contexts to broader, multiethnic communities, and his vision for a more holistic, ecumenical expression of the church today. Together, we reflect on what it means to live out “the whole gospel for all of life” in a complex and changing world.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:54 Bay Area Roots and Family Origins06:15 Presbyterians and Angel Island Story24:16 Ecclesiology and Asian Identity Tensions32:08 New College Berkeley Vision and Repentance37:51 Catholicity and Ecumenical Imagination46:41 Closing Reflections and ChargePhoto by Taras Bobrovytsky - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90880987

Foto by Annushka Ahuja: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/caminando-madre-familia-padre-8055684/

Foto by Quyn Phạm: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/gente-multitud-muchedumbre-demostracion-13051746/

He now serves as director of Princeton Theological Seminary’s Center for Asian American Christianity. He describes Asian American theology as the intersection of intergenerational family stories and the broader history of migration and racialization within God’s salvation story. 01:43 Immigration Roots 196503:24 Chemistry Family Stories14:30 Call to Theology and Vocation26:32 Asian American Christianity Explained37:00 Global Christianity and Migration44:15 CAAC Vision and Focus Areas

Photo by Hassan Sherif on Unsplash

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:50 Rachel Robertson's Background and Interests02:53 Historical Analogy and Digital Technology07:44 Anxiety and Digital Technology13:09 Generational Differences in Technology Use21:29 Digital Rituals and Emotional Impact26:46 Techno Optimism vs. Techno Pessimism30:00 Communal Discernment in Technology Use37:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:45 Exploring BN[O] Migration Policy

04:15 Impact of Migration on Families

07:27 Research Project and Findings

09:56 Historical Context and Migration Trends

17:33 Challenges and Support for Older Adults

33:18 Role of Technology in Migration

46:54 Evolving Church and Community Support

53:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The panelists are Alex Chang (pastor of Princeton Alliance Church in Princeton, NJ), Marie Chan (author of Mamie Takes a Stand: The True Story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American Girl’s Fight for School Rights), Chrislyn Choo (Emmy-winning creative storyteller), and Peter Li (pastor of Chinese Christian Church and Center in Philadelphia, PA). Moderators are Dr. Lisa Cleath (Old Testament) and Dr. David Chao (Center for Asian American Christianity) of Princeton Theological Seminary.

01:22 Introducing the Panelists

02:31 How Are You Adapting the Ideas from BTIAA 2025 to Your Ministry Context?

07:58 Exploring Intergenerational Connections

10:32 The Role of Storytelling in Faith

13:48 How Do You Negotiate the Challenges of Intergenerational Connection in Your Asian American Ministries?

13:59 Challenges and Reflections on Identity

29:14 How Do You Think About the Multi-Valence Within Asian American Stories in Your Context?

30:24 Peter’s Journey: From Hong Kong to America

33:04 Chrislyn’s Malaysian Chinese American Experience

36:40 Navigating Intergenerational and Intercultural Tensions

38:00 Alex on Church Leadership and Family Dynamics

41:14 Marie on Storytelling and Faith

44:28 How Can We Pass Along Our Families’ Stories as Asian American Christians?

50:27 The Importance of Oral Histories

56:39 Chrislyn’s Reflections on Story Living

59:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Content Warning: Mention of su****e attempt at 58:27 to 58:43

Photo image by David Chao

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Akshay John’s Musical Journey

04:14 Early Life and Hip-Hop Influences

06:45 Faith and Music Intertwined

10:10 Music as Therapy and Creative Outlet

15:22 Biographical Journey: From Middle East to the US

23:12 Exploring Themes of Success and Faith

26:38 Challenges and Reflections on South Asian Identity

34:59 Vulnerability, Honesty, and Faith

43:39 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Photo used with permission by Akshay John.

Photo by Bundo Kim on Unsplash

This lecture is a response to Dr. Roger Nam’s lecture “Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible: What If ‘Honor Your Father’ Isn’t the Whole Story?,” Dr. Chloe Sun’s lecture “Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family,” and Jessica ChenFeng’s lecture “Relating to the Internal and Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters: Jacob’s Family in Context.” You can find the recordings here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxGLEaf5FKyHCuImKVmKQRkjPTC67D5gK&si=KJWHpK74BbUmyAKk

Time Stamps

00:49 Introducing Dr. Daniel D. Lee

02:35 Reading Scripture with an Asian American Lens

04:11 The Role of Family in Theology

06:13 The Doctrine of Scripture and Illumination

08:09 Wrestling with God: A Covenantal Relationship

12:00 Empathy and Understanding in Asian American Context

22:02 Family and Migration: The Asian American Experience

25:42 Racialization and Family Values

38:13 Critical Awareness in Reading Scripture

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Description: “We each grew up with a relationship to characters of the Bible: which character was someone to emulate? Who was not the ideal model for a leader, a parent, or spouse? These assessments can sometimes parallel the way our families talked about relatives or community members: the good daughter who takes care of her parents, the terrible church elder who squandered money or the faithful pastor who sacrifices so much. In this presentation, we consider Jacob’s family system: intergenerational and gendered hopes, betrayal, alignment and rejection that allow us opportunities to connect with their contextual realities and curiosities for our own Asian American Christian lives today. We will consider the complex nuances of Bible characters beyond the one-dimensional individual perspectives of their personhood and behaviors.

“This presentation will invite attendees to reconsider our assessments (judgements) of Bible characters and increase our empathy (of others and self) through understanding Jacob’s family with a sociocontextual and relational lens. It will highlight relationships in context, reflecting on dynamics of rupture and opportunities for repair.”

Jessica ChenFeng, PhD, LMFT is an associate professor of marriage and family therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. She has been a practicing MFT for almost 20 years and consults with academic, healthcare and church organizations to improve the well-being of people within their relationships and communities. She is the director of Fuller’s Asian American Well-being Collaboratory. Her research, clinical and community work center around Asian American identities/relationships, generation, trauma, and Christian spirituality. She resides in the greater Los Angeles area with her spouse and two children. Whenever she gets the chance, she loves reconnecting with her love for analogue: paper planners and stationery, baking, and sewing.

Time Stamps:

00:51 Introducing Dr. Jessica ChenFeng

02:11 Dr. ChenFeng’s Personal Journey and Calling

04:24 Exploring Wellbeing and Belonging

06:11 Engaging with Bible Characters in Context

12:25 Intergenerational Impacts and Personal Stories

19:44 Understanding Relationships and Systems

23:57 Empathy and Complexity in Relationships

35:17 Conclusion: Pursuing Fullness of Life

Photo by Dilip Poddar on Unsplash

Description: This presentation examines Jacob’s family dynamics, including his experience as a migrant and its impact on his social location as an ethnic minority within a dominant culture, his ongoing struggles with his brother, his relationships with his elder sons, and his daughter Dinah. It also explores generational patterns such as parental favoritism, sibling rivalry, barrenness, and fatherly passivity. Additionally, it highlights how God’s election of Jacob and Jacob’s mediation of God’s blessings show that even amidst family chaos, grace and purpose can be found. The presentation aims to illustrate that despite the complexity of many Asian American families, there is hope for reconciliation and for God’s purposes to be fulfilled.

Chloe T. Sun is Professor of Old Testament and the Program Director of the Chinese Studies Center at Fuller Seminary. She previously taught at Logos Evangelical Seminary in Los Angeles. She publishes in both Chinese and English and conducts Bible seminars locally and internationally in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Europe. Her recent English publications include Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora (Eerdmans, 2020), Conspicuous in His Absence: Studies in the Song of Songs and Esther (IVP Academic, 2021), and Exodus, A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary (Langham, 2024).

Time Stamps

00:37 Introducing Dr. Chloe Sun

01:44 Jacob’s Family in Genesis

03:10 Sibling Rivalry and Divine Favoritism

04:47 Migration and Identity

05:02 Jacob’s Identity

10:16 Jacob’s Migration Experiences

18:25 Jacob as a Father

28:04 Divine Blessing and Reconciliation

35:49 Conclusion: Family Dynamics and Divine Presence

Photo by Salah Regouane on Unsplash

Description: “This opening talk situates the Hebrew Bible’s complex family stories—sibling rivalries, migration journeys, and household economies—within their ancient Near Eastern context. These narratives emerged not from abstract theology but from lived realities of cultural displacement. For Asian American communities navigating filial expectations, generational rifts, and economic pressure, these biblical dynamics feel strikingly familiar—and at times, deeply subversive. This session frames the day’s conversations by offering historical grounding and interpretive tools for reading family and faith with greater depth.”

Roger S. Nam, PhD is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Emory University/Candler School of Theology. His scholarship bridges Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern history, with a focus on how economic and social realities shaped biblical texts and communities. He is the author of multiple books, most recently, The Theology of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (Cambridge University Press, 2024). Before entering academia, he served as a pastor in Seoul, Korea and worked as a financial analyst in the Silicon Valley. This year marks his 18th year as a professor in theological education.

Time Stamps:

00:37 Introducing Dr. Roger Nam

01:39 Dr. Nam’s Unconventional Journey

02:38 Family and Migration in Ancient Israel

04:44 Parallels Between Ancient Israel and Asian America

08:00 The Migration Experience of Abraham

24:12 Economic Survival in Ancient Israel

30:15 Family Life and Honor in Ancient Israel

31:55 The Bible Through an Asian American Lens

35:57 Conclusion: Let the Bible Read You

Photo by David McLenachan on Unsplash

Plenary description: This lecture will explore how South Asians, including South Asian Christians, came to “belong” in the United States, through the lens of landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases and legislation that both closed and opened doors to South Asian Christians. It will provide insight into why the South Asian Christian immigrant experience looked the way it did and how it continues to evolve as the country grapples with its relationship to race and religion.

View PBS’s video referenced at 24:02 of the video version (cut out of audio podcast due to copyright): https://youtu.be/0qggeLf4x-s?si=GGUf0z9rwBr3wvnv.

Check out Sherry Thomas’s oral history project with SAADA: https://www.saada.org/exhibit/philadelphia/malayali-story.

Sherry Thomas is Kerala born and Philadelphia raised. She completed her B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from Temple University. She is passionate about issues of social and economic justice and currently combines both in her career as a public interest lawyer. She focuses her work on tenants’ rights, defense and eviction prevention with the Legal Clinic for the Disabled (LCD), as its Director of Housing and Habitability and has also worked as a Legal Fellow and legal consultant for International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization partnering with local justice systems to end violence against people living in poverty.

Sherry grew up in the Marthoma Church in a tight knit Malayali community in Philadelphia. She was always interested in the ways the church could be instrumental in bridging gaps between cultures and generations. Her experiences informed her work with the South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA). Through SAADA, she preserved some stories of Malayali Christians living and working in Philadelphia, over several generations, which culminated in the publication of her project, “The Philadelphia Malayali Story: Decades in the Making.”

Photo by hoylee song on Unsplash

Image by KimyiBo, “A Tree Planted by Streams of Water,” 2000, woodblock print on paper, 15.5 × 13 in.

Photo by Jess English: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-weaving-red-threads-10253080/

Plenary description: This presentation will provide a brief survey of the earliest arrival of Christians and the development of various languages and denominational churches established across the United States. It will include the current state of Indian American Christianity and many opportunities and challenges facing this thriving immigrant community using the lens of diaspora and World Christianity. It is based on a recent research project of the Global Diaspora Institute at Wheaton College, Billy Graham Center, and funded by the Louisville Institute.

Dr. Sam George serves as a catalyst of the Lausanne Movement and travels widely to teach and minister in diverse contexts. He holds degrees in Engineering, Management, and Theology. He studies at Fuller and Princeton Seminaries in the US and completed his doctoral research at Liverpool Hope University, UK. He has authored or edited 15 books including three-volume series on Asian Diaspora Christianity (Fortress Press 2021) and recent books titled Sharing Jesus with Hindus (William Carey) and Asians in Diaspora and Diasporas in Asia (Langham).

Photo by Lara Jameson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/compass-placed-on-a-world-map-8828681/

Plenary description: Prominent historian Placid J. Podipara, CMI is often credited with the most succinct description of the identity of Thomas Christians as Christian in religion, Oriental in worship, and Indian in culture. Countering post-independence claims that Christianity was simply a tool of Western colonialism, Podipara emphasized that this ancient Christian community was not a product of Westernization, but rather as old as Christianity itself and as indigenous to the Indian soil as other religions in Kerala. My talk explores this narrative of origins and what it means for those in the diaspora who are rediscovering their ancient roots today.

Jaisy A. Joseph is an Assistant Professor of Ecclesiology and Theology of Ministry at Villanova University. She received her PhD in Systematic Theology from Boston College in 2019. Aside from the academy, she is very involved in the lay ministry of the SyroMalabar Catholic Eparchy of Chicago. Her primary concern is to work with the emerging second generation of this immigrant community, particularly regarding issues of identity, domestic violence, and intergenerational healing.

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We are pleased to announce a limited-time offer to this Special Issue on Psychology and Theology within Asian American Contexts guest edited by Joel Jin and Jessica ChenFeng featured in this podcast. For free access from now until September 3, 2025, click here to explore more!

The only Catholic scholarly work addressing anti-Asian racism, Father Joe's book critiques two 2018 documents published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops—one a pastoral letter on racism, the other a pastoral response to AAPI Catholics—which he argues did not sufficiently discuss AAPI experiences of racism. It also examines historical patterns of anti-Asian racism and proposes a theological framework for addressing racism based on tenets of Catholic social teaching.

Resources

Cheah, Joseph. 2022. Anti-Asian Racism. Orbis Books.

Bransfield, J. Brian. 2018. Review of Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – a Pastoral Letter against Racism. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. https://www.usccb.org/resources/open-wide-our-hearts_0.pdf.

Bransfield, J. Brian. 2018. Review of Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. https://www.usccb.org/resources/Encountering%20Christ%20in%20Harmony%20A%20Pastoral%20Response%20to%20Our%20Asian%20and%20Pacific%20Island%20Brothers%20and%20Sisters_0.pdf.

‌Jeung, Russell. 2022. Stop AAPI Hate and Racial Trauma. In 2022 Mental Health and Asian Americans Conference.

‌Jeung, Russell. 2019. An Asian American Exilic Call to Politics. In 2019 Asian American Theology Conference.

Transformative Hope by Russell Jeung and Tammy Ho https://aparri.org/transformative-hope/

Noel Quintana:

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

Description: Exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and emotional well-being through spiritual practices contextualized for Asian American communities.

Photo by John Price on Unsplash

Recorded on April 11, 2025.

Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/caac-events/healing-heritage/

Through intimate interviews, several nurses share their struggles, fears, and unwavering faith that helped them navigate the crisis. They reflect on the emotional toll, the feeling of invisibility despite their essential contributions, and the deep-rooted strength within the Filipino American nursing community. The episode also explores the critical role of faith, cultural identity, and advocacy in overcoming adversity.

Join us for a moving and eye-opening discussion that honors the lives, sacrifices, and heroism of Filipino nurses—unsung warriors in the fight against the pandemic and social injustice.

This podcast episode is produced by Healing Heritage in collaboration with the Religion, Race, and Democracy Lab at the University of Virginia.

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash

Abstract:

This interactive workshop explores how Asian American Christians can navigate seasons of transition, conflict, and loss with faith and relational wholeness. Drawing from personal experiences, attachment theory, and spiritual formation, we will reflect on the default patterns we bring to these spaces, the factors that shaped them, and how God might be inviting us to steward these moments for growth. Through guided questions and discussion, participants will gain tools to deepen their spiritual and relational journeys in times of uncertainty.

Abstract:

This workshop aims to help parents discover the strength that lies in their imperfections. It will map out how parents can model working through their failures to their children. This would address their feelings of anxiety and shame while helping their children feel less shame and anxiety across different areas of life. Together, we’ll cultivate a home environment where both parents and children feel supported in embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth and connection.

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Tommy shares his personal journey of uncovering his Japanese American heritage, including his family's incarceration during World War II, his grandfather’s experiences as a U.S. veteran, and the lasting impact of these historical injustices. He reflects on how growing up in a multicultural environment shaped his identity and how understanding his family's past transformed his approach to ministry.

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Abstract:

In general, North American society has difficulty in contending with the issue of death and how it “works,” and this manifests in multiple different ways. Throw in some Asian culture into the mix, and the avoidance of the topic of death is magnified.

In relating stories of the ways people die, we hope to gain some insights as to how we can die “to the Lord,” and how we might be able to start creating ways that, even in our deaths, we can testify to the world of the goodness of God, not only in our own lives, but in all of God’s people.

Abstract: This session brings to light how striving for perfectionism can quickly move from being something that motivates us, to being something that fills us with anxiety. We will look at some of its root causes such as “the fear of failure,” “fear of being judged by others,” and “feelings of shame,” which might emerge in adulthood, but develop throughout childhood. We will then see the beauty in experiencing failure, and how it might be even necessary as part of our Christian walk – an invitation to experience Grace, an invitation to learn dependence. 

Abstract: Social disconnection and isolation have become increasingly prevalent in the United States. For Asian Americans, these experiences exist within a larger context of migration, racialization and intergenerational trauma. In addition, life transitions, such as career decisions, marriage and health-related challenges could introduce disagreements and conflicts that exacerbate disconnection and alienation. Focusing on themes of Holy Saturday, this talk focuses on spiritual formation as it occurs in these “spaces in between.” Drawing on psychological research and theory on attachment, this session focuses on the dynamic interplay between interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth as we navigate liminal spaces.

Abstract: How do we courageously and faithfully navigate the reality of death and the pain of loss throughout our lives? This session will examine the themes of Holy Friday – the passion and death of Christ, to discern a blueprint from which we can better understand and respond to death. Leaders will explore Christ’s transformational act of love through His death that has fundamentally transformed our experiences of suffering and loss. This session will challenge leaders to see death through a lens of grace and hope while still recognizing the tragic pain and trauma of loss – ultimately, embracing the paradox of our Christian faith.

Sangeetha Thomas will be a plenary speaker at the 2025 Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith & Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages" on January 17–18, 2025.

TW: brief allusions to suicidal ideation, pregnancy loss

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Lecture description: This lecture by Dr. Khyati Joshi, "Patriotism or Nationalism: What’s It Going to Be for Asian American Religious Communities," was recorded as part of the CAAC event "Asian Americans and the Presidential Election" on October 7, 2024. Lecture description: The contrast between Trump’s divisive approach and Harris’s inclusive, multicultural message highlights the ongoing tension between those who seek to maintain the status quo and those who advocate for progressive, equitable change. While Asian American religious communities have long been overlooked, the Asian American community is the fastest growing voter group in America. This presentation will discuss factors influencing the vote in Asian American religious communities.

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Lecture description: With the 2024 election just ahead, record numbers of Asian Americans are registering to participate in this very close election. What insights can we glean, especially with regard to the role of religion, from Asian Americans political participation in 2020? We will examine voting preferences, white Christian nationalism attitudes and other social issues that do not receive much attention in the American mainstream media.

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We had some audio difficulties so we apologize for the poor sound quality.

Abstract: Many Asian Americans immigrated to the United States for educational and professional opportunities, whether for themselves or their children. Many have achieved success in these areas. This workshop questions the compatibility of Christian faith with these material pursuits, concentrating on four areas Asian American Christians have not generally treated as matters for discipleship: academic achievement, wealth and poverty, residential location, and race. Each of these areas raises potential tensions between Christian discipleship and the desire to honor family sacrifices. By investigating these areas, this workshop encourages Asian American Christians to expand their conception of discipleship from individual faithfulness to faithful engagement with their social and political contexts.

Abstract: This interactive workshop will guide participants through empathetic reflection on pressures faced by the previous generation that produced leadership anxiety. Participants will consider how the previous generation’s responses to their anxiety impacted leadership development in the next generation. By considering the pressures that shaped the previous generation’s response to leadership anxiety and exploring what would have constituted the most effective responses, participants will begin formulating strategies to better cope with their own leadership anxiety.

Description: Two authors of the Asian American discipleship book Learning Our Names further develop the themes of their chapters as they’ve engaged with readers and furthered their studies. Being Asian American for most of us means there is no return to our pre-immigration stories, lands, or even pre-colonial identities. Resisting our Racialization and engaging with racial and ethnic justice takes on greater importance as we consider what we want to pass on to future generations. Join us as we bring together our studies, our stories, and our ministry contexts in conversation with each other.

Abstract: After the new-found excitement of coming to faith, we eventually encounter the limits of what we can achieve on our own in our spiritual journeys. We encounter a spiritual wall. This spiritual wall is a sign for a renewed encounter with God’s grace in forms that perhaps we have not yet received. As Asian American Christians, our intergenerational family history along with our social history as Asians in the US and in God’s divine economy factor into our experience of both spiritual walls and God’s grace. Come to this plenary talk that introduces a framework for Asian American spiritual formation that emphasizes how God longs to meet us in all our spheres of life.

Abstract: When we are part of families with a recent legacy of migration, we understand the desire to “forget what is behind” and “press toward the future.” In our desire to focus on the hopeful things ahead, we can often reject anything bad (past trauma, pain, grief, loss, shame, etc). In this plenary talk, we open-heartedly explore what it might look like to take an honest look at the “both-and”: the narratives of resilience, strength, and success alongside our family narratives of trauma, grief, and loss. How can we, in community, honor and own the fullness of our Asian American identities and legacies? Is it possible that in moving in the direction of courageously sitting with uncomfortable and dishonored histories that we can find freedom together to live life to the full?

Register for the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/#register.

Abstract: When the first wave of Korean immigrants came to the United States from 1903 to 1949, they experienced multiple layers of marginality. Many had escaped the tumultuous political landscape in Korea as exiles during Japanese colonial rule. Simultaneously, the US government and American society deemed Asians unassimilable aliens unfit for membership in the US. For these “exiled aliens,” Christianity functioned as a source of liberation, democracy, and belonging. In this talk, we will examine Christianity’s role in the Korean independence movement and how today’s immigrant churches may reclaim their prophetic role in our society and culture. We will explore the story of Moses and how the deconstruction of his identity led to his sense of liberation and belonging, providing a precondition for his ministry. Just as Moses experienced quadruple displacement, Korean immigrant churches navigated liminal spaces as Christians, immigrants, and exiles.

Christian discipleship is defined as the deepening of one’s relationship with Christ and draws from biblical teachings in the context of a church community. This conception is true but inadequate. Discipleship programs generally exclude explicit engagement with the complexities of cultural heritage, family belonging, and migration that characterize Asian American experiences. Utilizing principles of lived theology, this presentation takes the arc of the biblical narrative as a foundation to imagine an expanded vision for Christian discipleship. This expanded account takes the multi-generational and multicultural stories of Asian American families as a fundamental starting point rather than a peripheral concern. The presentation will use the speaker’s own personal and family stories of migration across China, Taiwan, and the United States as a case study.

Abstract: Using ethnographic and interview data, this presentation explains Taiwanese ethnic identity formation in the United States and its endurance in the Taiwanese Christian and greater immigrant community. I argue that formative homeland events during periods of peak migration define and carve out ethnic boundaries, creating a time capsule-like effect for immigrants. For Taiwanese immigrants to the United States, peak migration between the 1960s and 1980s meant that dominant martial law era ethnic boundaries were transplanted from Taiwan to the wider community of “Sinophone” or sinetic language-speaking Christians. Today, the time capsule effect persists, and those ethnic boundaries continue to shape social relations within the same transnational Taiwanese Christian networks.

The 1965 Immigration Act transformed the demographics of US migration, flipping new arrivals from up to 90% European to majority Asian and Latine/x. The law greatly diversified Asian America, as skilled migrants and their families arriving under the 1965 law joined refugees fleeing Southeast Asia after 1975. Post-1965 Asian America, unlike earlier communities shaped by restrictive nation-based quotas and racial exclusion, encompassed several dozen nationality groups and ethnicities, languages, and creeds. Framed broadly, the new Asian migrants remade historically white Christian institutions and organizations, challenging normative categories and assumptions about Christian faith and practice. Within Asian America, new migration multiplied and rejuvenated ethnic churches even as it raised new questions about what the future of these churches would look like across differences of generation, language, and theology.

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog

In this workshop, attendees learn how to put in practice active listening skills that will allow them to be empathetic change-makers. These practical listening skills will allow ministry leaders to effect change within their congregations.  

Speaker: Dr. Samuel Kim, assistant professor of school psychology, University of Denver  

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog/

The Center for Asian American Christianity is a thought leader in the areas of Asian American theology and ministry. We curate a forward-thinking conversation about the issues confronting Asian American churches. Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at ltiaa.com.

Conflict can be a healthy and essential part of community growth, but it takes time, training, and practice to handle conflict in ways that help deepen interpersonal empathy and understanding. Particularly during the pandemic when stress levels are high, divisions are rampant, and emotional coping skills are strained, conflicts can have a huge impact on our mental health and quality of life. In this workshop, Rev. Dr. Eunbee Ham draws on her training as a Marriage and Family Therapist and pastoral experience navigating conflict from an antiracist lens to help participants identify successful conflict resolution tools and skills, cultivate antiracist values intentionally in conflict resolution processes, and practice ways to utilize conflict resolution skills in real life situations.  

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Eunbee Ham, pastor, Davis Community Church  

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog/

The Center for Asian American Christianity is a thought leader in the areas of Asian American theology and ministry. We curate a forward-thinking conversation about the issues confronting Asian American churches. Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at ltiaa.com.

Asian American Christians can struggle with the experience of not feeling good enough. They perceive a gap between where they ideally ought to be and where they actually are. Across their personal, professional, and even spiritual lives, there is a tendency to expect perfection yet fall short of it. In turn, we might present ourselves as perfect, never offering ourselves the opportunity for care and healing. Although setting standards for ourselves is healthy, we are burdened when we feel like we constantly fall short of them. Dr. Jin’s workshop equips church leaders to support Asian American Christians in becoming more whole people, not perfect people. We learn about different types of perfectionism and how this applies to Asian American Christians. We discuss practical strategies from the pulpit to pastoral counseling.  

Speaker: Dr. Joel Jin, assistant professor of clinical psychology, Seattle Pacific University  

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog/

Rev. Dr. Lee's workshop is designed to help church leaders better discern and process common psychological and relational challenges they may face in the church. We discuss how to distinguish between mental health and spiritually related problems and learn how to increase collaboration with local Christian mental health professionals when appropriate.  

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jin Lee, private practitioner, The Living Counsel Ltd.; vice president, Korean American Wellness Association  

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog/

The Center for Asian American Christianity is a thought leader in the areas of Asian American theology and ministry. We curate a forward-thinking conversation about the issues confronting Asian American churches. Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at ltiaa.com.

Plenary Lecture: "Stop AAPI Hate and Racial Trauma"  Dr. Jeung’s talk discusses the collective racial trauma that our communities are facing during COVID-19, its historic precedence, and indigenous approaches toward healing.  

Speaker: Dr. Russell Jeung, professor of Asian American studies, San Francisco State University 

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog/

The Center for Asian American Christianity is a thought leader in the areas of Asian American theology and ministry. We curate a forward-thinking conversation about the issues confronting Asian American churches. Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

Speaker: Dr. David Chao, director, Center for Asian American Christianity

The newly expanded Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary comes at a critical time in the life of Asian America. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial-ethnic demographic in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistence of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, minority and immigrant churches are poised to transform the face of Christianity in the United States in the next few decades. The Center for Asian American Christianity seeks to equip and empower the next generation of Asian American leaders for service in church, society, and academy.  

Learn more about the Center for Asian American Christianity at https://www.ptsem.edu/academics/center-for-asian-american-christianity

To view the conference blog, visit https://ltiaa.com/blog/

This episode was recorded on November 12, 2021.

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com

Rev. Dr. Mia was ordained as a pastor by the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey upon completing her studies at Alliance Theological Seminary in New York. She obtained her doctorate in ministry studies at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in PA. In 2008, she founded NextGen Church in West Windsor, NJ.

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com. 

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com. 

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com

The Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary invites you to join the dialogue on Asian American faith, identity, social engagement, and ministry through our newsletter, blog, and upcoming conferences at ltiaa.com.

Conference registration is free: https://ltiaa.com/

To learn more about the Asian American Program at Princeton Theological Seminary: https://www.ptsem.edu/student-life/asian-american-program/overview

0:00 Why have an Asian American theology conference? Its pragmatic function and the need for a space to turn pain into power. 

4:29 Presbyterians and Asian Americans.

5:58 Racism and antiracism as theological issues: How do we talk about God in the midst of extraordinary forms of injustice? “The fight for justice is natural because justice is natural to God.”

7:22 Ethnography and the church.

8:24 Lots of positive energy for conversation and building relationships at these conferences.

9:12 Theological formation that connects justification and justice, especially for the next generation of Asian American churches.

11:11 The importance of conferences for exchanging ideas and for building relationships esp. during the social isolation intensified by the pandemic. We need resurrection hope!