Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang Urges Pre-registration for Religious Exchanges in China

Central News Agency, Kinmen, June 2. Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang attended a religious policy seminar in Kinmen today. She encouraged those participating in religious exchange activities with temples in mainland China to leave their contact addresses and exchange schedules in Taiwan beforehand, stating, 'It will be easier to find people if there are any inconveniences later.' The Ministry of the Interior held the seminar in Kinmen County this afternoon, explaining the legalization of religious group properties, financial reporting, and precautions for cross-strait religious exchanges. Minister Liu and Kinmen County Magistrate Chen Fu-hai held discussions with local temple representatives. In her opening remarks, Liu noted that the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Mainland Affairs Council have received reports of ROC nationals being detained in China while participating in religious activities for unknown reasons. Some individuals have been unable to return for two to three years. Liu emphasized that because China's legal system differs from Taiwan's and information is often unclear, assistance is difficult. She stated that the focus of the visit was to resolve local issues, such as property registration for religious groups.