Article 1 These provisions are formulated in accordance with the Constitution in order to ensure the freedom of religious belief of foreigners within the territory of the People's Republic of China and to maintain the public interests of the society.
Article 2 The People's Republic of China respects the freedom of religious belief of foreigners within Chinese territory and protects friendly interaction and cultural and academic exchanges between foreigners and Chinese religious circles.
Article 3 Foreigners may participate in religious activities at Buddhist monasteries, Taoist temples, mosques, churches and other sites for religious activities within Chinese territory. Foreigners may preach and expound scripture at religious sites in China at the invitation of Chinese religious bodies at or above the provincial level, autonomous region and municipality directly under the Central Government.
Article 4 Foreigners may hold religious activities attended by foreigners at sites approved by the Department of Religious Affairs of the people's government at or above the county level.
Article 5 Foreigners within Chinese territory may invite Chinese religious personnel to conduct such religious ceremonies as baptism, weddings, funerals, Taoist and Buddhist rites.
Article 6 Foreigners may carry religious printed materials, religious audio-visual products and other religious supplies for personal use when entering Chinese territory; if the amount of the above-mentioned religious stuff is greater than that for personal use, it shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Chinese Customs.
It is prohibited to bring in religious printed materials and religious audio-visual products with contents that are harmful to the public interest of Chinese society.
Article 7 Foreigners within Chinese territory shall recruit those who come to study in China to be trained as clergies according to the relevant provisions. Foreigners who come to study or lecture at Chinese religious institutions should obey relevant rules and regulations in China.
Article 8 Foreigners who conduct religious activities within Chinese territory shall abide by Chinese laws and provisions. It is prohibited to establish religious organizations, set up offices and sites for religious activities or run religious institutions within Chinese territory. Foreigners are not allowed to develop followers, appoint religious personnel or engage in other missionary activities.
Article 9 Religious activities conducted by foreigners in breach of the provisions hereof shall be dissuaded or stopped by the Departments of Religious Affairs and other related departments of the people's government at or above the county level; Activities violating the Control of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners or Public Safety Administration shall be subject to the punishment by public security organs in accordance with the law; If a crime is constituted, activities shall be investigated for their criminal responsibility by the judicial organs.
Article 10 These provisions are applicable to religious activities conducted by foreign bodies within Chinese territory.
Article 11 Chinese citizens residing abroad within Chinese territory, Taiwan residents on the Mainland, the residents of Hong Kong and Macao in the inland shall conduct religious activities with reference to these provisions.
Article 12 The Department of Religious Affairs of the State Council reserve the right of the interpretation of these provisions.
Article 13 These provisions shall come into force as of the date of promulgation.
