Rules on Administration of Religious Activities of Aliens

The Rules on Administration of Religious Activities of Aliens in China, mandated by the Administration of Religious Affairs, took effect on September 23, 2000.

As stipulated in the Rules, the Chinese government would respect religious beliefs and protect religious activities in China in accordance with the law. Aliens, defined as "those who are within Chinese territory without Chinese nationalities pursuant to the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China," would be permitted to participate in religious activities at legally registered places of worship.

With the consent of the respective religious bodies, aliens would be able to invite Chinese religious personnel to conduct ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, and Taoist and Buddhist rites and likewise be able to bring religious articles to China for use in cultural and academic exchanges.

At the invitation of Chinese religious bodies, aliens would be able to preach, expound or deliver speeches at religious schools or other sites legally registered. Moreover, personnel from Chinese religious bodies would be allowed to study abroad in accordance with relevant regulations, and overseas religious personnel would also be able to study at Chinese religious schools.

The Rules stipulate that collective religious activities of aliens would only be conducted at places of worship recognized by governments above the county level or at temporary sites designated by the religious affairs department of the governments of provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities.