Different religions, as an important part of China's social
structure, can play unique roles in promoting a "harmonious
society" and contributing to world peace, said Yu Wenliang and Liu
Deshen, noted Christian leaders and members of the 10th National
Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
(CPPCC).
Yu Wenliang
Liu Deshen
Rev. Yu, a standing member of the National Committee of the
Three-self Patriotic Movements of the Protestant Churches of China,
along with Liu, director of the Chinese Catholic Social Service
Committee, are attending the 12-day annual session of the CPPCC National Committee,
which opened in Beijing on March 3.
According to Yu, religions may help cultivate believers' moral
integrity, steer them away from materialistic temptations, and
build their will against adversity.
"All types of Christianity have their own taboos and codes of
conduct for their followers. They include those that prohibit
followers from committing such sins as stealing, robbing, telling
lies, and coveting the wealth of others and those encouraging
followers to help those in need. All these exactly match what a
decent citizen is required to be today. From this perspective,
religion can certainly contribute to the building of a harmonious
society," said Yu.
"Meanwhile, the religious organizations in China, including
Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and indigenous Taoism, also play an
active role in both NGO and government-operated philanthropy," Liu
added. "For example, the Chinese Catholic Social Service Committee
has financed thousands of dropout children so they can go back to
school, and built over 300 elementary schools, 60 of which are
located in Chongqing Municipality. We did a lot of work to help
those disadvantaged children."
On March 4, China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin called on religious groups to give
full play to the positive role of religion to boost social harmony
at a panel discussion with the country's political advisors from
religious community.
Jia also called for frequent exchanges between different
religions and between religious believers and non-religious people
to promote social stability and unity, and happiness of the
people.
Catholic influence reached China after the seventh century, and
Protestantism was introduced into China in the early 19th century.
Now there are more than 4,600 Catholic churches and over 12,000
Protestant churches, as well as over 25,000 other types of
Christian places of worship in China.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Wu Nanlan, March 13, 2007)
