Religious groups conscientiously resist extremism: White paper

BEIJING -- Faced by the challenge of religious extremism to the bottom line of human civilization, religious groups have taken a clear stand and drawn a line against extremists, according to a white paper released Tuesday.

The white paper, titled "China's Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief," was issued by the State Council Information Office.

Religious groups have fully advocated correct belief and behavior, and fought resolutely against the use of terrorist violence and instigation of separatism in the name of religion, said the document.

In January 2013, eminent monks, experts and scholars of Buddhism of Chinese tradition, Tibetan tradition and Theravada tradition convened a meeting to call on all Buddhists to become more active in preaching to their believers about the correct outlook on life and opposing extremist behaviors such as self-immolation or the incitement of others to do so, which violate Buddhist teachings and discipline, it noted.

In May 2014, the China Islamic Association released a proposal entitled "Keep to the Middle Path and Steer Clear of Extremism", whereby well-known Islamic figures across the country condemned violent terrorist activities, according to the document.

In December 2017, national religious groups jointly issued a proposal calling for religious communities to enhance their abilities to distinguish, guard against and resist the encroachment of cults, and maintain social harmony and stability, it noted.

The white paper said that religious groups have also actively engaged in public charity activities.

According to preliminary statistics, religious groups have established more than 400 nursing homes offering approximately 29,000 beds.