President Bush Raises Religious Freedom Issues In Beijing

The McClatchy Newspapers today report on President Bush's activities and statements yesterday nudging the Chinese on religious freedom. The President and Laura Bush, in Beijing for the Olympics, attended services at the Beijing Kuanjie Protestant Christian Church, one of China's state-approved Protestant churches. Aljazerra reports that the service, conducted mostly in Chinese, was specially translated for Bush. (See prior related posting.) The Toronto Star reports that admission to the service was limited to those who had been specifically invited, to the dismay of Liu Peiqin, a member of an unapproved "house church" who had hoped to attend. After the service, the President made brief remarks (full text), saying: "Laura and I just had the great joy and privilege of worshiping here in Beijing, China. You know, it just goes to show that God is universal, and God is love, and no state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion."

Later in the day, Bush met with China's president, Hu Jintao. In remarks (full text), Bush told Hu: "As you know, our relationship is constructive and it's important and it's also very candid, and I thank you for that. And once again, I had a very uplifting experience by going to a church, and I want to thank you for arranging that, as well. It was a spirit-filled, good feeling. And as you know, I feel very strongly about religion, and I am so appreciative of the chance to go to church here in your society."

In a press briefing (full text) after Bush's meeting with Hu, Dennis Wilder, Senior Director for East Asian Affairs, said:

The President raised human rights and religious freedom. He told President Hu that this is an important aspect of the U.S.-China dialogue, and that the Chinese can expect that any future American President will also make it an important aspect of our dialogue. As the President has said, candor on these kinds of issues are part of a constructive and cooperative process between the United States and China.

The President noted that he had been to church; noted that believers will strengthen China; that he sincerely believes that China will be a better place if there is more freedom of religion. And President Hu seemed to indicate that the door is opening on religious freedom in China and that in the future there will be more room for religious believers.