Event Summary
On April 6, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted a panel discussion on the re-emergence of religion in Chinese society. The panelists specifically addressed the role of Christian, Muslim and Tibetan Buddhist groups within China.
Most discussions about religion in China focus primarily on state control over religious freedoms. Another important aspect of this discussion, however, is the increasing participation of religious groups in China’s emerging civil society. Are grassroots religious groups growing in influence? Will religious practitioners and organizations act as a stabilizing force in the country, especially during the current global economic downturn?
Visiting Fellow Dennis Wilder provided introductory remarks and moderated the discussion. After brief presentations, the panelists took audience questions.