China's religions, as an important part of the social forces,
may play an active role in helping build a harmonious society in
the country if they are properly guided, a top official who is in
charge of the country's religious affairs said Friday.
Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration of Religious
Affairs, made the open remarks in an exclusive interview with
Xinhua, the first ever in a decade since Ye took office in a
country with more than 100 million faith followers.
"Religions are one of the social forces that are worth much
attention in the country's social and economic construction," he
said. "They can play an active yet unique role in many
aspects."
Ye said the Chinese government will work to help the religions
restrain their negative elements and promote their positive ones
through enhancing management according to the law and adhering to
the established practice of running religious affairs in an
independent and self-support way.
"This is the fundamental basis on which that Chinese religions
may exercise their roles," he said.
According to Ye, China's religious departments at various levels
will work to help the religions to that end.
"Such work will also offer possibility to the government to
undertake the religious work in a more creative manner, thus
scoring more achievements," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2006)