U.S. Consul General Hosts Religious Leaders

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with the region’s religious community, Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck hosted Reverend Chen Yilu, President of Guangdong Union Theological Seminary, and Father Francis Xavier Zhang, Parish Priest of Shenzhen’s St. Anthony’s Church, for dinner September 15. Reflecting the importance the U.S. places on interfaith dialogue, the Consul General invited Buddhist, Daoist, Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant leaders to attend the dinner.

The wide-ranging discussion with Reverend Chen and Father Zhang touched on the growth of religious congregations in the region, the active dialogue among them, and their relationships and exchanges with religious institutions in the U.S. and elsewhere.

The Consul General made reference to President Obama and Secretary Clinton’s recent Iftar statements and their emphasis on longstanding U.S. commitments to religious tolerance and to protecting people’s freedom to practice religion as they choose.

Reflecting on other recent religious developments, Consul General Goldbeck said he applauded the designation of 28 religious venues throughout Guangzhou to provide private areas of worship to Asian Games participants, adding that he hoped access for personal religious worship will continue beyond the Asian Games as well.