The Central Institute of Socialism (CIS) in Beijing held the opening ceremony for the 2024 Religious Studies master’s degree students.
According to the host, Mr. Hao Mingjin, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and president of the CIS, delivered a speech at the ceremony on September 1. Mr. Hao emphasized that graduate students should focus on self-management, foster a positive academic environment, and contribute to the systematic advancement of the sinicization of religions in China.
The CIS was officially designated as a master's degree-granting institution in September 2023, following approval from the State Council's Academic Degrees Committee. The institute was also granted permission to offer a master's degree in the secondary discipline of religious studies, and it has been assigned with national education and degree management.
Venerable Yan Jue, president of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC), delivered a speech at the ceremony. Other attendees included Daoist Li Guangfu, chairman of the China Taoist Association (CTA), Imam Mu Kefa, vice president of the China Islamic Association, Bishop Li Shan, president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and vice chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China, and Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China. Responsible staff from various CIS departments, all faculty members, and freshmen of the Class of 2024 also attended the ceremony.
