Nestled quietly in eastern Amsterdam, the Hofkerk Catholic Church houses a unique congregation—the Chinese Mandarin CAMA (Christian and Missionary Alliance). Every Sunday from 10:30 to 14:00, a striking banner in both Chinese and English appears at the entrance of a side building, reading “Chinese Mandarin CAMA Church.” It’s visible only during these few hours, when the building opens its doors to welcome Mandarin-speaking believers from around the world. On weekdays, this place looks like any ordinary (catholic) church — only a small notice on the bulletin board hints at the existence of a Chinese congregation.

The church was born out of the need for a Mandarin-speaking congregation. In the early days, most Chinese immigrants in the Netherlands spoke Cantonese. As the community became more diverse, the need for a Mandarin-speaking church became evident. In response to this, a pastor sent from Canada began leading gatherings in private homes. With the help of the Cantonese-speaking sister church, Chinese CAMA Gemeente Amsterdam, the Mandarin church was officially established in 2007.