In China, Bush Urges Religious Freedom

By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent


AP Photo: U.S. President George W. Bush, right, and first lady Laura Bush arrive for morning services...

BEIJING -
President Bush took a front-row seat at a church service Sunday, sending a quiet signal to China's leaders that they should expand religious freedom in this communist nation.

"It wasn't all that long ago that people were not allowed to worship openly in this society," the president said after the hourlong service. "My hope is that the government of China will not fear the Christians who gather to worship openly. A healthy society is a society that welcomes all faiths."

In a day of talks, the president was expected to trumpet a trade concession from China. He also was to prod Chinese leaders about currency system changes, human rights and the piracy of American movies, computer programs and other copyright material. Bush also was seeking China's cooperation on North Korea, Iran, Syria and other trouble spots.

Bush, however, chose to make the worship service his first public event during a two-day state visit to China. The significance of Bush's visit to the church, a modest marble-and-brick building tucked off an alley, was clear to the congregation of about 400.

Bush received a standing ovation when he entered the sanctuary, which looked much like a classroom with wooden movie theater seats. There was more applause when the pastor announced his presence, and members of the choir assembled outside to see Bush off afterward.

"The spirit of the Lord is very strong inside your church," Bush said.

Most churches are underground churches in China. It is a crime to baptize people so they do it secretly in tubs but never in lakes or public places. The president did the right thing but I have little hope the Chinese government will change.