Cross the river, Vatican urged
19/10/2007 10:34
China is ready for ties with the Vatican as long as it severs its
so-called "diplomatic relations" with the Taiwan authorities and stops
interfering in China's internal affairs in the name of religion, an official has
told the Party congress.
"The Vatican, as a country, must recognize the
government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government
representing China, and Taiwan as an inalienable part, if it wishes to establish
ties with China," said Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration of
Religious Affairs.
"Their press said there was no problem with that. But
no action has been taken," said Ye, a congress delegate.
China's
Constitution rules that the country's religious affairs are not to be interfered
with by any foreign forces, he said.
"The Vatican has to promise not to
interfere in China's internal affairs in order to improve ties."
Ye
called on the Vatican to join China's efforts to seek common points while
allowing differences to exist.
He compared China's two principles to a
river to cross: "We can build a bridge, or find a boat. It doesn't help if you
just stand on the other side yelling and crying."
Ye also said China
will offer religious services for foreigners arriving for the 2008 Olympic
Games.
"A large number of religious faithful will be arriving for the
Games," he said.
China is working on religious facilities at its Olympic
venues with the help of the International Olympic Committee and referring to the
practices at previous Games, he said.
"Our religious services will be up
to the previous standards."
Ye dismissed allegations that China restricts
the printing and sale of Bibles, which he said receive state subsidies and other
preferential policies.
China, with 16 million Protestant Christians, has
printed 42 million Bibles, he said.
"We distribute the Bible only through
churches and do not allow ordinary bookstores to sell them," he
said.
"This is aimed only at preventing illegal vendors from driving up
prices."
Xinhua
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