Chinese Religious Leaders' US Trip HailedThe Chinese religious leaders delegation to the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders has fulfilled its mission by adhering to principles and making friends.State Councilor Ismail Amat made the remarks Wednesday at a workshop to welcome back the Chinese religious leaders and noted figures who attended the conference in the United States from August 28-31. The meeting was presided over by Wang Zhaoguo, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. In his address, Ismail Amat highlighted the efforts by the CPC and the government in protecting human rights, implementing the policy of freedom of religious beliefs, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of religious people in the country. Efforts should be made to create greater public awareness about the status of religious people in China, which has been much misunderstood by foreigners due to massive distortions by the western media, the official said. The delegation consists of seven main leaders of Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity, according to the official. During the meeting, these religious leaders briefed other participants on freedom of religious beliefs in China, counterattacking western anti-China forces, and explaining a number of issues on religions in China. The state councilor urged different religious groups in the country to adhere to the principle of independently running religious affairs in accordance with the Constitution, foster patriotic and religious people, and increase exchanges with the rest of the world. |
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