China pledged to continue to respect and protect its citizens’ freedom of religious belief in a white paper published Tuesday.[more..]

As a socialist country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China adopts policies on freedom of religious belief based on national and religious conditions to protect citizens’ right to freedom of religious belief, build active and healthy religious relationships, and maintain religious and social harmony. [more..]

China manages religious affairs in accordance with the law, adheres to the principle of independence and self-management, actively guides religions to adapt to the socialist society, and unites religious believers and non-believers to the greatest extent.[more..]

A white paper published by the Chinese government on Tuesday has clarified the rules on foreigners’ religious activities in China.[more..]

The Rules on the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners in the People's Republic of China highlights China's respect for the freedom of religious belief of foreigners within its territory, and its commitment to protecting the friendly relations, and cultural and academic exchanges with regards to religion between foreigners and Chinese religious groups, according to the white paper released by the State Council Information Office.Foreigners may attend religious activities at temples, mosques, churches, and other sites for religious activities. They are also permitted to preach at places of worship when invited to do so by Chinese religious bodies at or above the provincial level, according to the white paper.[more..]

As of September 2017, there were 91 religious schools in China whose establishment was approved by the State Administration of Religious Affairs (SARA), including 41 Buddhist, 10 Taoist, 10 Islamic, 9 Catholic and 21 Protestant schools, it said.There are six national level religious colleges, namely, the Buddhist Academy of China, High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China, Chinese Taoist College, China Islamic Institute, National Seminary of the Catholic Church in China, and Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, the document noted.At present, more than 10,000 students study in these religious schools whose graduates total more than 47,000.[more..]

Religious groups have fully advocated correct belief and behavior, and fought resolutely against the use of terrorist violence and instigation of separatism in the name of religion, said the document.In January 2013, eminent monks, experts and scholars of Buddhism of Chinese tradition, Tibetan tradition and Theravada tradition convened a meeting to call on all Buddhists to become more active in preaching to their believers about the correct outlook on life and opposing extremist behaviors such as self-immolation or the incitement of others to do so, which violate Buddhist teachings and discipline, it noted.In May 2014, the China Islamic Association released a proposal entitled "Keep to the Middle Path and Steer Clear of Extremism", whereby well-known Islamic figures across the country condemned violent terrorist activities, according to the document.[more..]

According to the white paper, titled "China's Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief," relations between the Communist Party of China and the government and religious groups, between society and religion, among different religions within the country, between religions of China and foreign countries, and between religious believers and non-believers are properly handled in China.At present, approximately 20,000 prominent figures from the religious circles serve as deputies and members at all levels of people's congresses and committees of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and participate in the deliberation and administration of state affairs and exercising democratic oversight, it said.[more..]

The white paper, titled "China's Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief," was released by China's State Council Information Office on April 3. During the press conference, former deputy chief of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, Chen Zongrong, elaborated on the distinctive features of the revised Regulations on Religious Affairs. [more..]

The Information Office of the State Council Tuesday held a news conference in Beijing to publish a white paper “China’s Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief”. Chen Zongrong, former deputy director general of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, said China’s religious policies has been keeping developing and innovating with stability and continuity. [more..]