Top political advisor stresses religion's compatibility in socialist society

BEIJING, Feb. 4, 2016 -- Yu Zhengsheng(L front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attends a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Feb. 4 -- Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Thursday called on religious groups in China to better promote Chinese culture and seek greater compatibility in socialist society.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President Xi Jinping, Yu extended New Year greetings to religious personages and followers nationwide.

Noting the sound situation of religious work and harmonious religious relations in China, Yu expressed appreciation to the work by Chinese religious groups in uniting religious circles, carrying out philanthropy, maintaining harmony and stability and promoting economic and social development in China.

He called on religious groups in China to continue adding Chinese characteristics, dig into positive elements in their religions and make more effort in building a religious ideology with Chinese characteristics.

Also, the top political advisor urged religious circles to better study and promote the inclusive and harmonious traits in Chinese traditional culture.

He stressed the practice of rule of law in handling religious issues and solving relevant disputes, calling on religious circles to better study the country's Constitution and laws, raise their awareness of the rule of law and conduct religious activities within legal boundaries.

Religious groups should play a greater role as a bridge between the Party, government and religious people, Yu said, urging them to improve their internal management as well.

The interpretation of religious doctrines should be deepened to ensure healthy development of religions and more talent should be fostered, Yu said.

He further required the Party and government authorities at all levels improve their work regarding religious affairs, respect and protect the legitimate rights and interests of religious circles and support the self-construction of religious groups.

He stressed assistance to religious groups facing difficulties and religious people in poverty, particularly during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

He said the implementation of the country's 13th Five-Year Plan for social and economic development needs joint efforts by all people across China including those from religious circles, calling on religious people to follow the CPC Central Committee's policies and maintain solidarity.

Senior CPC officials including Liu Yandong and Sun Chunlan attended Thursday's symposium.