NEWS//China advances Sinicization of religion

At the latest National Religious Affairs meeting held in Beijing, President Xi urged that China must actively guide religions to adapt to the country's socialist society. He said that “Sinicization” of religion means that all religious communities should be led by the Party, controlled by the Party, and support the Party.

The following are some highlights of his remarks:

• It is imperative to uphold the principle of developing religions in the Chinese context.

• The Party's policy on freedom of religious belief should be fully and faithfully implemented.

• Religious groups stand as a bridge and a bond connecting the Party and the government with people from religious circles and the vast religious believers.

• Efforts should be made to keep enhancing the recognition of the motherland, the Chinese nation, the Chinese culture, the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics among religious personages and believers.

• Religious personages and believers should be guided to cultivate core socialist values and put them into practice and promote Chinese culture.

• Religious activities should be carried out within the scope stipulated by laws and regulations, and should not impair the health of citizens, offend public order and good morals, interfere with educational, judicial, and administrative affairs as well as social life.

Sources: The State Council Information Office of China (SCIO), Bitter Winter, China Daily, Indian Express, Bloomberg, Women of China