China's Leader puts faith in religious:WashPost1/20/08

President Hu sees growing spiritual ranks as helpful in achieving social goals: Page A21- China seeks to get along better with the increasing numbers of Chinese who find solace and inspiration on religion. Religion can also be useful in encouraging social harmony because it urges its followers to hew to a moral code. In recent months, the momentum toward friendly Vatican ties seems to have revived. Two bishops were ordained with papal approval last month, following on the appointment of a Vatican-approved bishop for Beijing in September. Regular quiet contacts have been made between Vatican and Chinese diplomats. The survey found 40 million Christians and 12 million Catholics. My comment: Catholics are Christians with ecumenical unity to make contribution to social harmony in China. The Pope has authority in faith and moral code for Catholics in different nations. President Kennedy was a Catholic but still an American President. Chief Justice Roberts is also a Catholic with other 4 Catholics in the Supreme Court but they are Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. It is important to learn that religion is a personal private matter of faith and China encourages freedom of religion including all Christians. Such news is published in the People's Daily Overseas Edition and reprinted in The Washington Post on Sunday, January 20, 2008 on page A21. Francis Shieh a.k.a. Xie Shihao1/20/08