Bush preaches freedom to the converted
US President George W. Bush yesterday took advantage of a visit to an officially sanctioned church to deliver a short message for religious freedom.
'It wasn't all that long ago that people were not allowed to worship openly in this society,' he said outside the Gangwashi Church in western Beijing, after attending a service with 1,000 mainland worshippers.
'My hope is that the government of China will not fear the Christians who gather to worship openly. A healthy society is a society that welcomes all faiths.'
But Mr Bush's message on religious freedom would not have reached a wide audience as most mainland media were silent about his church visit, while Xinhua issued a brief report in English only that omitted his comments at the church. Mr Bush and his wife, Laura, arrived with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Gangwashi Church at 7.30am and were greeted by a standing ovation from fellow worshippers.
In the church's guest book, he wrote: 'May God bless the Christians of China'. His wife added: 'And with love and respect, Laura Bush.'
The pastor gave them Chinese-language Bibles. Crowds of eager worshippers started to gather at the church before 5am.
Yu Xiumei was one of a few Chinese who shook hands with Mr Bush after the hour-long service at Gangwashi, one of the five government-sanctioned Protestant churches in the capital.
'I heard about a week ago that Mr Bush would visit our church during his Beijing trip, but I never expect to get so close to him,' said the excited 68-year-old.
'I believe his visit today is of great significance because it shows the power of the religion which has brought us together,' she said.
Wang Liansun, who was born in a Christian family about 70 years ago, said Mr Bush's visit would help increase the profile of the church and millions of Chinese Christians. 'We welcome him as a friend from afar,' said Ms Wang who has worked at the church since the 1980s.
The 83-year-old church was once the home of famous Chinese writer Laoshe. It was visited by Dr Rice in March and her predecessor, Madeleine Albright in 1998. But it was chosen mainly for security reasons as there are no tall buildings around, according to Chinese security officials.
Church staff and voluntary workers had a special meeting at the church on Saturday night to make detailed arrangements for Mr Bush's visit.
Zhang Lei, who left his home at 4am for the service, said yesterday's service was not much different from normal Sunday services, apart from security checks at the entrance.
A large area around the church was cordoned off for the visit.
