CPC official calls for positive role of religion in development

[rug]

Yu Zhengsheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visits The Buddhist Association of China in Beijing, capital of China, January 21, 2013. Yu visited national religious groups in Beijing from January 21 to 23.(Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Xinhua | 2013-1-24 9:47:48
By Agencies

A high-ranking official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has encouraged the religious circle and followers to play a positive role in China's modernization drive.

Calling them a "positive force" in promoting economic and social development, Yu Zhengsheng, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said efforts are needed to make religion conducive to national development and the improvement of religious adherents' material and spiritual lives.

Yu made the remarks during his visits to major national religious groups in Beijing from Monday to Wednesday.

"Among our people, it remains secondary whether they choose to believe or not to believe in religion, or which religion they chose to believe in. The common goal of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is primary," he said.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/757942.shtml

Note: The Global Times is a daily Chinese tabloid under the auspices of the People's Daily newspaper, which in turn is owned by the Communist Party of China.

Politics and economics make strange bedfellows.

[okasha]

1. The CPC has a chance to demonstrate the sincerity

this attitude by getting the hell out of Tibetan Buddhist affairs and allowing the Dalai Lama to come safely home.

I'm not holding my breath.

[rug]

2. It will continue to use religion as long as it's useful.

[mr blur]

3. As do they all.

[rug]

4. I agree.

Ruling elites have used religion to maintain themselves for millennia.