Top political advisor stresses rule of law in managing religious affairs

Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng has called for efforts to administer religious affairs in accordance with the law.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Baoding City in north China's Hebei Province between Jan. 29 and 31, with religious work as one of his focuses.

"Religious work should be advanced along the legal track and in accordance with religious laws," Yu said while visiting the city's churches and temples.

He encouraged religious circles to contribute to economic and cultural development, and social harmony.

The Communist Party of China's (CPC) religious policy of respecting religious freedom must be carried out. The rights and interests of religious circles must be protected, he said.

Underscoring the importance of adhering to the principle of independence and self-governance, Yu asked Catholic circles to "withstand the infiltration of overseas-based forces to ensure that the leadership of religious organizations is firmly in the hands of people who love the country as well as their religion."

He also called for better efforts to foster a team of patriotic clergy, especially the young and middle-aged, to promote healthy development of Catholicism in China.

During his tour, Yu also visited companies and factories.

He asked them to shift gears to adapt to the economic "new normal" of slower speed, higher quality and more innovation, while promoting development in a more sustainable and low-carbon way. Endi