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Chinese authorities have given the green light for religious groups to engage in more charitable work, according to an announcement by the State Administration for Religious Affairs and five other departments. Preferential policies, including government subsidies and tax reductions, are in place when religious groups seek registration to establish foundations, nursing homes and hospitals, the notice said. Tariff waivers and reductions are allowed when faith-based charitable groups receive donations from outside China and use them directly for charitable causes, such as poverty alleviation. Under the principles of "active support, equal treatment and lawful administration," the new regulation encourages active involvement from religious organizations in disaster and poverty relief, care of the disabled, seniors and children, providing education opportunities and medical care, environmental protection and public facility construction. The regulation stipulates that faith-based charities should strictly function as non-profit organizations and guarantee financial transparency, with regular disclosure of donors and expenditures. Qiu Zhonghui, secretary-general of the Amity Foundation, created in 1985 on the initiative of Chinese Christians, said the new policy has leveled the playing field for religious organizations and other social groups. "Now the door is open. Faith-based charity groups should train more competent people and improve organizational management," Qiu said. | 
