Charities open to religious groups

Chinese authorities have given the green light for religious groups to engage in more charitable work, according to an announcement by the State Administration for Religious Affairs and five other departments.

Preferential policies, including government subsidies and tax reductions, are in place when religious groups seek registration to establish foundations, nursing homes and hospitals, the notice said.

Tariff waivers and reductions are allowed when faith-based charitable groups receive donations from outside China and use them directly for charitable causes, such as poverty alleviation.

Under the principles of "active support, equal treatment and lawful administration," the new regulation encourages active involvement from religious organizations in disaster and poverty relief, care of the disabled, seniors and children, providing education opportunities and medical care, environmental protection and public facility construction.

The regulation stipulates that faith-based charities should strictly function as non-profit organizations and guarantee financial transparency, with regular disclosure of donors and expenditures.

Qiu Zhonghui, secretary-general of the Amity Foundation, created in 1985 on the initiative of Chinese Christians, said the new policy has leveled the playing field for religious organizations and other social groups.

"Now the door is open. Faith-based charity groups should train more competent people and improve organizational management," Qiu said.

Many peer groups in China's religious circles have financial resources but lack experience to train qualified workers and set up an independent entity to run charitable projects.

"Faith does not guarantee that foundations affiliated to religious groups will be problem-free. They are subject to common challenges, such as running into debts and credibility deficits, and poor performance and outcome," he said.

Li Haibin, deputy director of the Beijing liaison office of Donglin Charitable Society, created by Buddhists in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, also welcomed the authorities' encouragement.

Deng Guosheng, an associate professor from the Center for Innovation and Social Responsibility at Tsinghua University, said almost all religious groups worldwide believe in universal philanthropic values, such as donating to people in need and serving society.

"Engaging faith-based groups to provide more social services is innovative in social development, and they have several advantages, such as credibility and access to a large pool of followers," Deng said.

Questions:

1. Who has been given the green light to engage in more charitable work in China?

2. What preferential policies can they expect?

3. What kind of work are religious organizations involved in?

Answers:

1. Religious groups.

2. Government subsidies and tax reductions.

3. Disaster and poverty relief, care of the disabled, seniors and children.