Bush Criticizes China’s Restrictions on Religious Freedom

Yesterday, we blogged that with the eyes of the world glued on China during the Olympics, the Chinese government has been tightening restrictions on religious practice in that country (Washington Post: Beijing Curbs Religious Rights).  One day later, the Washington Post is reporting that during his current visit to China, President Bush has been speaking out about these restrictions.  According to the Post, after attending a service at a government-authorized Protestant Church on Sunday morning, President Bush stated that “No state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion.” His comment was seen as a clear reference to his concerns over the restrictions the Chinese authorities place on worship at churches that are not officially sanctioned.   

These concerns also surfaced in the President’s weekly radio address during which he stated that he is using his time in Beijing to express “America’s deep concerns” about freedom and human rights in China.  According to Bush, his trip to China “has reaffirmed my belief that men and women who aspire to speak their conscience and worship their God are no threat to the future of China.”

Chinese authorities have reportedly responded coolly to Mr. Bush’s criticisms. 

VEJ