A summer training program on religion and the rule of law is held in Beijing. The two-week program started on July 18.

Topics discussed during the program include religious legislation, politico-religious relationship, and the non-governmental organizations in modern society. A total of 12 experts in the fields of law and religion from six countries are invited to speak in the sessions.

"These are all hot topics frequently discussed in the academic field," said Liu Peng, a researcher of religions in the United States in the institute of American studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and also director of the Pu Shi Institute for Social Science.

He said the program aims at improving the theoretical attainment in religious legislation among law and religious professionals, as well as the government administration sections, so as to promote religious legislation in the country.

"The rule of law is the best help for the freedom of faith," he said.

Liu's institute, coupled with the Center for Constitutional and Administrative Law in Peking University, sponsored the program. The program enters its second year this summer.