Vice premier urges protection of religious people's interests

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong (C) visits the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the Bishops' Conference of Catholic Church in China during an inspection tour on the regulation of religious affairs, in Beijing, China, Feb. 13, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has urged Party and government departments at all levels to manage religious affairs in accordance with the law and protect the legal interests of religious people.

Liu's remarks were carried in a statement released Saturday after an inspection on the regulation of religious affairs.

Liu called for more efforts to strengthen a sense of law and citizenship among religious figures and believers while protecting their legal interests and addressing their problems.

According to Liu, religious groups should focus on fostering quality clergy and create a sound public image, exploring positive factors in line with modern standards in their doctrines to promote religious and social harmony.

Liu encouraged believers to take part in charity, such as offering disaster and poverty relief, giving financial support to education and taking care of the elderly.