The State Administration for Religious Affairs sent a Christmas congratulation letter to Chinese Catholic and Protestant communities.
Released on its official website on December 23, the letter says, "On the occasion of Christmas, we wish to extend cordial greetings and best wishes to you. On December 3-4, the central committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted the National Conference on Religious Work, the first one of which was held five years ago. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC, emphasized the implementation of the CPC’s theory on religious affairs in the new age, the basic policy on religious work, and the policy on freedom of religion. He highlighted adhering to the principle of developing religion in the Chinese context and actively guiding religions to adapt to socialist society. He requested religious groups to enhance their self-management level and improve the law-based governance in religious affairs."
It also reads, "Catholics and Protestants should seriously address the outstanding problems affecting the sound inheritance of religious belief, improve the self-management skills, and work hard to train qualified persons. It is necessary to carry out full and strict governance of religion. Religious personages and believers should enhance their recognition of the motherland, the Chinese nation, the Chinese culture, the CPC, and the socialism with Chinese characteristics."
- Translated by Abigail Wu
