Scandals Rock China's Religious Circles: Shaanxi Taoist Association Head Reportedly Dismissed

In recent years, China's Buddhist and Taoist circles have been plagued by a series of scandals. Following the investigation and indictment of former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin for criminal offenses, reports indicate that Hu Chenglin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the Shaanxi Taoist Association, has also been dismissed. Both Shi and Hu are suspected of financial corruption and maintaining secret families. Hong Kong's Ming Pao reported today that Hu was reported last month for corruption and having a secret family, leading to his removal from his positions as supervisor of the Xi'an Baxian Palace and Xiangzi Temple earlier this month. His title as honorary president of the Xi'an Taoist Association has also been revoked. Furthermore, it is believed he has been removed from his post as head of the Shaanxi Taoist Association. The report cited the Shaanxi Taoist Association's WeChat account, noting that on the 11th of this month, the association held a study meeting for staff, presided over by acting president He Xinping. As He, the association's vice president, is serving as acting president, it is widely believed that Hu has been internally dismissed. A netizen calling himself 'Quanzhen Taoist Liu Yongheng' publicly reported last month that Hu had been hiding a family for over 20 years, illegally issued a Taoist certificate for a mistress, traveled to Hong Kong with her, and used temple funds to buy a Land Rover. However, mainland authorities have remained silent on the matter. Last year, Shi Yongxin (secular name Liu Yingcheng) was investigated for criminal offenses, embezzlement of temple assets, and severe violations of Buddhist precepts, including maintaining improper relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children. In March this year, the Xinxiang People's Procuratorate in Henan Province announced that it had indicted Shi Yongxin for embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and bribery.