Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu called for improved administration of religious work in order to achieve harmony among people of different religious beliefs.

Religious work was facing new challenges as the country stepped into a crucial stage of reform and development, Hui said at a national conference on religious work held in southwest China's Kunming City, Yunnan Province, from Monday to Tuesday.

The administration of religious work must be based on stable social and economic development, and correct understanding of world religions and their influence on Chinese religions, he said.

"We must properly deal with religious affairs and let religions play a positive role in building a harmonious society," said Hui.

The Party's policy on the freedom of religious beliefs must be implemented correctly, ensuring political cooperation with religious groups and promoting the Party among religious adherents.

"Education on patriotism, socialism, laws and morality should be given to both religious and non-religious people, as well as modern scientific knowledge," he said.

Hui also called for stronger leadership of Party committees and governments over religious work, saying breakthroughs should be made in dealing with key and difficult issues, and senior officials must improve administrative ability through training and study.

Source: Xinhua