CHINA: SHANGHAI: MADELEINE ALBRIGHT MEETS RELIGIOUS LEADERS

(1 Jul 1998) Natural Sound U-S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with Chinese religious leaders in Shanghai on Wednesday. In a round table discussion with representatives of five different faiths, Albright expressed the hope that China would allow religion to flourish naturally. U-S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was greeted by a small group of religious leaders in Shanghai on Wednesday. The five men represented the Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Taoist, and Muslim faiths. Bishop Alyosius Jin Luxian was born in Shanghai 82 years ago. He was imprisoned from 1955 to 1982. Since his release he has played a significant role in trying to open up religious activity in China. Reverend Wang Jianguo heads Huadong seminary, one of the most influential Protestant training grounds in China. Master Taoist Chen Liansheng is director of the Shanghai Taoist Association while Imam Bai Runsheng is affiliated with the Huxi Mosque. The youngest of the group, Master Juexing only just took over as abbot of Shanghai's famous Jade Buddhist Temple. Albright - who earlier in the day visited the newly restored Ohel Rachel Synagogue - said she had been impressed by China's religious diversity. However, she warned that China would need to come up with creative answers to address the dramatic changes brought on by rapid economic growth. Albright also attempted to reassure Chinese skeptics that the U-S interest in religion and religious freedom did not grow out of a desire to interfere in China's affairs. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...