New government guidelines claim to “guarantee religious freedom”. But, apart from the odd new element, they reconfirm minute control over people, places and activities. Rome (AsiaNews) – With a highly detailed list of 48 rules and norms, the government of China has published new regulations on religious personnel, place and activities that will come into effect on March 1, 2005. The new guidelines, which appeared in Xinhua last December 18, replace the 1994 regulations for the administration of religious places. The first chapter affirms the state’s commitment to “guaranteeing religious freedom and harmony between religions and in society”. The text...