Bush raises issue of religious freedom in China

Shravan Shuddha Dashami

Beijing (China): US President George W Bush on Sunday said no country or government should fear the power of religious worship. The statement made after a church service in Beijing is seen as an oblique reference to the Chinese government’s control over the church. (Indian politicians do not even think about Hindu Dharma. Instead they are trying to demolish Hindu Dharma from India through various laws like Temple Takeover Act & Anti-Faith Bill!)

"Laura and I just had the great joy and privilege of worshipping here in Beijing, China," he said after attending a church service with his wife, Laura.

"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," Bush said. Diplomatic circles saw this as a perfectly crafted sentence meant to show his faith in God as well as send out a political signal to the Chinese leadership.

The US president also mentioned his experience at the church during his meeting with Chinese president Hu Jintao.

"Once again, I had a very uplifting experience going to a church. It was a spirit-filled feeling. As you know, I feel very strongly about religion. And I’m so appreciative of the chance to go to church here," he told the Chinese president.

Bush had promised to push the Chinese leadership to let its people speak and pray freely without harassment.

The US president is also expected to discuss issues like counterterrorism, trade, economic markets, individual freedoms and efforts to halt the nuclear weapons capability of Iran and North Korea during his stay in Beijing.

Source: Times of India

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