China Denies Allegations That They Are Banning Bibles
Things were tense this week in Beijing when allegations were laid against the Beijing Olympic organizers. There was a mis-understanding in communications and it was believed that the organizers would be banning any religious items and Bibles for personal use next year during the summer games. The Beijing organizers disputed all allegations and stated that there was no such ban except when it came to the Falun Gong movement – which has been banned for some time.
The Foreign Ministry believes that the allegations were given by people who are trying to sabotage Beijing from hosting the Olympic summer games next year. “There is no such thing. This kind of report is an intentional distortion of truth,” said Li Zhanjun, director of the Beijing Olympics media center.
Li also stated that not only can the athletes bring texts and major religious items into the country – but they will also be providing worship services for anyone who is Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist in the Olympic Village.
Hosting the summer Olympics is important to China because they are trying to give people a positive image of their country. Beijing has grown and has been preparing for the day when they could host this without any problems. They have even practiced to speak better English, not spitting, littering, and cutting in line.