To celebrate the 75th anniversaries of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the Committee on Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee held a symposium on patriotism and its practices in China's religious communities on Sept 19. 

Bater, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a speech at the event.

Participants at the symposium emphasized that patriotism is rooted in the heart and soul of the Chinese nation, and is a fine tradition and fundamental belief of all religions in China. Religious groups in China have integrated patriotism with their faiths and incorporated patriotism into their doctrines and practices, shaping the values and actions of both religious figures and followers, they said. 

They said that throughout history, many moving stories of patriotism and religious devotion have emerged, representing a valuable spiritual legacy that contributes to the healthy development of religions in China. Efforts should be made to give full play to the strengths of the CPPCC, helping with the exploration, study and promotion of the sense of patriotism and religious devotion within China's religious groups, they noted.

They also stressed the importance of religious figures and believers inheriting and carrying forward the tradition of patriotism, upholding the principle of developing religions in the Chinese context, and strengthening their recognition of the motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China (CPC), and socialism with Chinese characteristics. 

They added that religious groups in China should also uphold the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, create a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, enhance their sense of national identity, citizenship and the rule of law, and resolutely defend the country's sovereignty, security and development interests.