国内英语新闻:Senior official calls for independent Christian development in China

BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese political advisor, Du Qinglin, has called for the independent development of the Christian Church in China.

Du, vice chairmen of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the "Three-Self Patriotic Movement" initiated by the Chinese Protestant church.

The landmark "Three-Self Patriotic Movement" 60 years ago, which advocated the three principles of self-administration, self-support and self-propagation of Christian churches in China, freed the churches from the control and constraint of western countries, Du said.

"The current development of Christian churches in China is in its glory, and I hope that Chinese Christians will insist on an independent and patriotic path for Christians in China," Du said.

Du also called on China's Christian believers to make efforts to promote economic and social development in China.

The development of the Chinese Christian churches is closely related with China's development, and the Christian circle in China is pleased with the prosperity of China and the fact that the policy of freedom of religion in China has been fully implemented, said Fu Xianwei, chairman of the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China.

The clergy and believers will continue to insist on the independent development of Christian churches in China, combining patriotism and belief, Fu said.