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)