Beijing, China, Apr 3, 2018 / 18:00 pm
A Chinese government official who oversees religious affairs said Tuesday that government restrictions on bishop appointments are not a violation of religious freedom, as he emphasized that religions in China must "adapt to socialist society."
Chen Zongrong, former deputy director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, spoke at an April 3 press conference presenting a government "white paper" on "Chinese policy regarding the practice and safeguarding of religious freedom."
"I disagree with the view that preventing Rome from having full control over the selection of bishops hinders religious freedom," Chen said, according to the AP. "I believe there is no religion in human society that transcends nations."
"The Chinese constitution clearly states that China's religious group and religious affairs cannot be controlled by foreign forces, and [the foreign forces] should not interfere in Chinese religious affairs in any way," he stated.