May 12, 2010, Jia Qinling, Chairman of the National Committee of CPPCC met in the Great Hall of the People Dr. Din Syamsuddin, Moderator of Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP), and Dr. Sunggon Kim, Secretary-General of ACRP, who attended ACRP Executive Committee Meeting in Beijing.
Jia Qinglin stated that, pursuing the policy of freedom of religious belief, Chinese government respects fully citizen’s religious belief and guarantee their rights and administrate religious affairs by Constitution and laws. For example, Regulations on Religious Affairs has been enacted to protect lawful religious activities and safeguard the lawful rights of religious groups and believers. Adhering to the principles of self-administration and running religious affairs independently, Chinese government also supports religious circles to carry out foreign exchanges on the basis of equality and friendship. Guided by the religious policy in our country, with equality and harmony among religious groups and mutual respect between religious believers and non-believers, the religious circles in China have maintained unity and harmony.
Chinese government attaches great importance to the active role of religious circles in promoting economic and social development. Many religious figures also carry forward the fine traditions of patriotism, loving religions, being kind, generous and helpful, and take part in the cause of social charity warm-heartedly. After the Yushu earthquake in Qinghai province, under the firm leadership of Chinese government, people around the whole country including religious believers donated to the victims generously. Religious groups all held prayers for people in the areas stricken by earthquake and monks saved and helped them voluntarily, making great contribution to disaster relief.
Jia said, in recent years, CCRP has undertaken actively friendly exchanges with ACRP and religious circles in Asia, making positive contributions to further mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese people and people in other Asian countries, and the advancement of peace, development and cooperation in this region. Chinese government will continuously support CCRP to strengthen intercourse and cooperation with ACRP and religious circles in other Asian countries on the basis of equality and friendship, and to make active efforts to maintain world peace and promote common development.
