Money collected illegally in name of religion at nonreligious venues

Authorities have launched a three-year campaign targeting the illegal collection of funds at nonreligious venues, after a number of scenic spots nationwide were found to have accepted donations in the name of religious activities.

According to Chinese regulations, only religious venues that are registered with religious affairs authorities can organize religious activities and accept religious donations.

"Religious donations can only be used for religious purposes. However, the donations that are gathered at those nonreligious venues are mostly used for profits," Liu Jinguang, a spokesman for the State Administration for Religious Affairs, said on Thursday.