Status of religious freedom in People's Republic of China
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Constitution of the People's Republic of China provides for freedom of religious belief[1]; however, the Government, mostly in fear of the fact that freedom of religion demands freedom of assembly, restricts religious practice to government-sanctioned organizations and registered places of worship and to control the growth and scope of the activity of religious groups. The constitution forbids religious practices that cause "disruption" or "harm" to society.[1] There are five registered religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Protestantism, and Catholicism. A government-affiliated association monitors the activities of each of the five faiths. In cities such as Shanghai, a significant number of non-sanctioned churches and temples exist, attended by locals and foreigners alike.
Religious groups are required to register with the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA, formerly known as the central Religious Affairs Bureau) or its provincial and local offices (still known as Religious Affairs Bureaus (RABs)). SARA and the RABs are responsible for monitoring and judging the legitimacy of religious activity.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Constitution of the People's Republic of China, Chapter 2, Article 36.
[edit] External links
- International Religious Freedom Report 2006 - PRC. U.S. Department of State. Retrieved on 2006-11-08.
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