Children must not be 'forced' into religion

China has issued a new rule prohibiting religious organizations from forcefully indoctrinating abandoned or orphaned children under their care.

Religious groups and organizations should guarantee the rights and interests of children in line with the law, according to a notice issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the State Administration for Religious Affairs.

Dong Hui, an official in charge of child welfare at the Henan Bureau of Civil Affairs, said the three major religions in China - Buddhism, Christianity and Islam - all have long histories of encouraging their followers to do philanthropic work and that the government welcomes the participation of religious groups in solving social issues.