The full text is here! "Measures for the Management of Places of Religious Activities"

Recently, Order No. 19 of the State Administration for Religious Affairs promulgated the Measures for the Administration of Religious Activity Sites (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"), which will come into force on September 1, 2023, and the Measures for the Approval and Registration of the Establishment of Religious Activity Sites promulgated by the State Administration for Religious Affairs in 2005 shall be repealed at the same time. The promulgation and implementation of the "Measures" is of great significance for the in-depth implementation of the "Regulations on Religious Affairs", safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of religious activity sites and religious believers, and improving the institutionalization and standardization of the management of religious activity sites.

The "Measures" consist of 10 chapters and 76 articles, improving the management system for religious activity venues. The "Measures" stipulate the procedural requirements for the preparation, establishment and registration of religious activity sites, standardize the management of religious activity sites, clarify the establishment and management organization of religious activity sites, implement democratic management, establish and improve personnel management systems, and regulate the religious activities, social activities, and foreign exchanges of the personnel of the sites. Clarify the responsibilities of religious activity sites in the management of religious activities, construction management, and safety management such as fire protection, food, hygiene, and construction. Stipulate that religious activity sites establish supervisors, and strengthen the internal management of religious activity sites. Clarify the supervisory responsibilities of religious affairs departments, the guidance of religious groups on religious affairs, and the supervisory rights of religious citizens.

The full text of the "Measures for the Administration of Religious Activity Sites" is as follows:

Measures for the Management of Religious Activity Sites

Chapter I: General Provisions

Article 1: These Measures are formulated on the basis of the Constitution, relevant laws, and the "Regulations on Religious Affairs", so as to regulate the management of religious activity sites, protect normal religious activities, and preserve the lawful rights and interests of religious activity sites and religious citizens.

Article 2: "Religious activity sites" as used in these Measures refers to temples, temples, mosques, churches (hereinafter referred to as "temples and churches") and other fixed religious activity sites registered in accordance with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" and other provisions.

Article 3: Religious activity sites shall support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, support the socialist system, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, abide by the Constitution, laws, regulations, rules, and relevant provisions on the management of religious affairs, practice the Core Socialist Values, adhere to the direction of the sinicization of religion on the mainland, adhere to the principle of independence and self-management, and preserve national unity, ethnic unity, religious harmony, and social stability.

Religious activity sites must not be used by any organization or individual to carry out activities that endanger national security, disrupt social order, harm citizens' health, obstruct the national education system, violate public order and good customs, or otherwise harm the national interest, the societal public interest, or citizens' lawful rights and interests.

Religious activity sites must not engage in illegal activities or provide conditions for illegal activities.

Article 4: The lawful assets and income of religious activity sites, as well as normal religious activities, are protected by law. No organization or individual may use the name of a religious activity site or the influence of a religious activity site to conduct commercial propaganda or seek illegal benefits.

Article 5: Any organization or individual entering a religious activity site shall respect the beliefs and customs of the religion to which the site belongs.

No organization or individual may create contradictions or conflicts between different religions, within the same religion, or between religious and non-religious citizens in religious activity sites.

Article 6: Religious activity sites shall establish management organizations and implement democratic management.

Religious activity sites must not form affiliation with each other.

Article 7: Religious affairs departments, in conjunction with relevant departments, shall conduct oversight and management of religious activity sites in accordance with law, safeguard citizens' freedom of religious belief, preserve the lawful rights and interests of religious activity sites, and guide and urge religious activity sites to regulate their internal management.

Chapter II Establishment Examination and Approval and Registration

Article 8: The establishment of religious activity sites shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The purpose of establishment does not contravene the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 of the "Regulations on Religious Affairs";

(2) A certain number of local religious believers have the need to regularly engage in group religious activities;

(3) Religious professionals who intend to preside over religious activities, or other persons who meet the requirements of the rules and regulations of that religion's national religious group;

(4) Have the necessary funds, and the sources of funds are legal;

(5) The layout is reasonable, in line with the requirements of territorial spatial planning and ecological environmental protection.

Article 9: In preparation for the establishment of a religious activity site, the religious group is to submit an application to the county-level religious affairs department for the area where the site is to be established.

Article 10: Religious groups applying for the establishment of religious activity sites shall submit a plan for the establishment of preparatory organizations. The preparatory organization shall be composed of relevant personnel of the religious group, religious professionals who intend to preside over religious activities, or other persons who meet the requirements of the rules and regulations of the national religious group of that religion, and representatives of religious citizens in the area where it is proposed to be established.

Article 11: Applications for the preparation of the establishment of religious activity sites shall be completed and the following materials shall be submitted at the same time:

(1) An explanation of the need for a certain number of religious believers in the proposed area to conduct group religious activities on a regular basis;

(2) The basic information of religious professionals who intend to preside over religious activities or other persons who meet the requirements of the rules and regulations of the national religious group of that religion, as well as their household registration booklets, resident identity cards, and religious professional certificates;

(3) The basic information, household registration booklets, and resident identity cards of the members of the preparatory organization to be established (where they are religious professionals, they shall also provide a religious professional certificate);

(4) A description of the capital budget and the source of funds;

(5) A description of the feasibility of the proposed site and the proposed site, as well as the effect drawings of the architectural style.

Article 12: The county-level religious affairs department shall submit a review opinion within 30 working days of receiving the application, and report it to the religious affairs department at the districted-city level.

Within 30 working days of receiving the materials submitted by the county-level religious affairs department, the religious affairs department at the districted-city level shall make a decision to approve or disapprove an application for the establishment of another fixed religious activity site, and where a decision is made, it shall report to the provincial-level religious affairs department for the record;

The provincial-level religious affairs department shall make a decision to approve or not approve within 30 working days of receiving the materials submitted by the religious affairs department at the districted-city level.

Before making a decision, the religious affairs departments at the districted-city level and the provincial-level religious affairs departments shall conduct on-site inspections, and when necessary, may convene hearings.

Where the proposed establishment of a religious activity site involves immovable cultural relics, it shall be handled in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations on the protection of cultural relics.

Where a religious activity site is to be established within the scope of a nature reserve, it shall be handled in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations of the nature reserve.

After the application for the establishment of a religious activity site is approved, a preparatory organization may be formally established to handle the preparatory matters for the establishment of the religious activity site.

Article 13: Matters concerning the preparation and establishment of religious activity sites shall be completed within the approved time limit for preparation and establishment. The period for preparation and establishment is generally not more than five years. The preparatory organization shall promptly report the status of the preparations to the county-level religious affairs department for the place where it was established.

The local religious affairs department at the county level or above for the place of establishment shall conduct oversight and inspections of the progress of preparations for establishment. Where the preparatory establishment of a religious activity site is not completed within the approval period, it may be appropriately extended upon approval by the organ that approved the preparation for establishment, but must not exceed two years at most. If the preparatory establishment matters cannot be completed within the extended time limit, the preparatory establishment permit shall become invalid. Religious groups that submit applications for preparation for establishment shall do a good job of handling the aftermath.

Article 14: Before a religious activity site is registered, the preparatory organization shall be responsible, and under the guidance of the local religious group, a management organization for the site shall be established through democratic consultation.

Article 15: After religious activity sites have been approved for preparation and construction is completed, the site management organization shall apply for registration with the county-level religious affairs department (hereinafter referred to as the "registration management organ") for registration.

To apply for registration of a religious activity site, the "Application Form for Registration of a Religious Activity Site" shall be filled out and the following materials shall be submitted at the same time:

(1) An explanation of the establishment of a management organization through democratic consultation;

(2) The household registration books and resident identity cards of the members of the management organization;

(3) Household registration books, resident identity cards, and religious professional certificates of religious professionals presiding over religious activities or other persons who meet the requirements of the rules and regulations of the national religious group of that religion;

(4) Texts of rules and regulations such as for personnel, finance, assets, accounting, archives, public security, fire protection, protection of cultural relics, and health and epidemic prevention;

(5) The relevant materials of the premises and other buildings (if it is a construction project, it shall provide materials for the acceptance of the completion of the project, fire protection acceptance, materials for the verification and verification of planning and land use, and if the land and housing immovable property registration have been handled, the real estate property certificate of the land and housing shall be provided; if it is leased, the right to use and housing safety materials for a period of more than one year shall be provided);

(6) An explanation of the lawful economic resources.

Article 16: Religious activity sites must not be named after churches, sects, persons, and so forth.

Article 17: Within 30 working days of receiving an application, the registration management organs shall conduct a review of the religious activity site's name, management organization, establishment of rules and regulations, and other such circumstances, and register those that meet the requirements, and issue a "Religious Activity Site Registration Certificate". Religious activity sites may carry out religious activities only after obtaining the "Registration Certificate for Religious Activity Sites".

The "Registration Certificate for Religious Activity Sites" and related application forms are to be printed by the religious affairs departments of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government in accordance with the specifications formulated by the State Administration for Religious Affairs.

The "Registration Certificate for Religious Activity Sites" must not be altered, transferred, or lent. If the certificate is lost, it shall promptly apply to the registration management organ for a replacement.

Article 18: Where religious activity sites meet the requirements for legal persons, they may go to the civil affairs departments to register as legal persons with the consent of the local religious group and after reporting to the county-level religious affairs department for review and approval.

Where religious activity sites handle the registration of legal persons, their relevant registration and management efforts shall comply with relevant state provisions.

Article 19: Where religious activity sites change their names, addresses, responsible persons, and other registration contents, they shall go through the corresponding formalities for changing the registration with the original registration management organs.

Where other fixed religious activity sites need to be changed to temples and churches, they shall be handled in accordance with the approval procedures for temples and churches provided for in article 12 of these Measures, and the change of registration shall be handled in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 20: In any of the following circumstances, religious activity venues shall apply to the original registration management organ for cancellation of registration:

(1) The "Registration Certificate for Religious Activity Sites" or the "Certificate for Registration as a Legal Person for Religious Activity Sites" issued by the civil affairs departments has been revoked in accordance with law;

(2) It is impossible to maintain normal operation;

(3) Not carrying out religious activities for more than two years without a legitimate reason;

(4) It is dissolved on its own or terminated for other reasons.

Article 21: Where a religious activity site applies for deregistration, the original registration management organ shall guide the site to establish a liquidation organization and complete the liquidation work. During the liquidation period, no activities other than liquidation shall be carried out, and the remaining property after liquidation shall be used for undertakings consistent with its purpose.

Article 22: Within 15 days of completing liquidation, religious activity sites shall complete formalities for deregistration with the original registration management organs. The original registration management organ shall withdraw the "Registration Certificate for Religious Activity Sites" and report it to the provincial-level religious affairs department for filing.

Article 23: Where religious activity sites fail to apply for deregistration in accordance with the provisions of these Measures, and fail to handle it in accordance with law within 15 days after being notified by the original registration management organs, the original registration management organs shall coordinate with the local religious group to establish a liquidation organization to complete the liquidation, and deregister them in accordance with law.

Chapter 3 Management Organization

Article 24: Religious activity site management organizations shall be formed through democratic consultation, and shall be composed of religious professionals, representatives of local religious citizens, and other relevant personnel.

The management organization shall have three or more members, and there shall be one responsible person.

The selection, punishment, or adjustment of members of religious activity site management organizations shall be reported to the registration management organs for filing after soliciting the opinions of the local religious group.

Article 25: Members of religious activity site management organizations are to serve a term of no more than five years, and may be re-elected, and at the end of their term of office, they shall be re-elected under the guidance of the local religious group. In special circumstances, with the consent of the local religious group and reporting to the registration management organs for filing, the term of office may be advanced or postponed, but the extension of the term of office is not to exceed one year.

Article 26: The responsible person for a religious activity site management organization must not normally serve as the responsible person for another religious activity site management organization at the same time. Where there is truly a need, they may concurrently serve as the responsible person for the management organization of a religious activity site.

Concurrently serving as the responsible person for a religious activity site management organization shall be upon the consent of the religious group for the location of the religious activity site to be concurrently concurrent, and the site is to report the concurrent situation to the county-level religious affairs department for the area where it is located, and the county-level religious affairs department is to report it to the provincial-level religious affairs department for filing. Where concurrently serving across provinces, autonomous regions, or directly governed municipalities, the provincial-level religious affairs department for the location of the proposed religious activity site shall also solicit the opinions of the provincial-level religious affairs department for the area where the candidate is currently employed.

Article 27: Members of religious activity site management organizations shall meet the following basic requirements:

(1) Love the motherland and support the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the socialist system;

(2) Comply with the Constitution, laws, regulations, rules, and relevant provisions on the administration of religious affairs;

(3) Abide by the rules and regulations formulated by the religious group of the religion and the religious activity site;

(4) Possess a certain degree of religious knowledge and organizational management ability;

(5) Have full capacity for civil conduct;

(6) Have a good style, be decent, do things fairly, and have a strong sense of responsibility.

Members of religious activity site management organizations shall be mainland residents of Chinese nationality and shall generally not be more than 70 years old at the time of election.

Where members of the management organization have a husband and wife relationship, a direct blood relationship, a collateral blood relationship within three generations, a close relationship by marriage, or an adoption relationship, they shall recuse themselves.

Article 28: Religious activity sites shall establish an evaluation system for members of management organizations, and promptly adjust members who are incompetent or who have not performed their duties in accordance with provisions.

Article 29: In any of the following circumstances, the religious activity sites shall promptly remove or replace members of a religious activity site management organization:

(1) Endangering national security or public safety, advocating, supporting, or funding religious extremism, undermining ethnic unity, splitting the country, carrying out terrorist activities, or participating in related activities;

(2) Interfering with administrative, judicial, educational, and social life, contrary to public order and good customs;

(3) Undermining harmony between different religions or within that religion;

(4) Being dominated by foreign forces, accepting appointments to teaching positions by foreign religious groups or institutions without authorization, or otherwise violating the principle of religious independence and self-management;

(5) Accepting domestic or foreign donations in violation of relevant state provisions;

(6) Participating in illegal religious organizations, engaging in illegal religious activities, or facilitating illegal religious activities;

(7) Organizing or presiding over unapproved religious activities held outside religious activity sites;

(8) Not abiding by the rules and regulations formulated by the religious group of their religion;

(9) Disobeying the administrative organs' lawful supervision and management;

(10) Other violations of laws, regulations, and rules.

Where members of management organizations have the circumstances listed in the preceding paragraph, but the religious activity site is not promptly replaced, the religious affairs departments shall order the religious activity site to be removed or replaced.

Article 30: Religious activity site management organizations shall perform the following duties:

(1) Unite and educate religious citizens to love the motherland, support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, practice the Core Socialist Values, persist in the direction of the sinicization of religion on the mainland, and abide by the Constitution, laws, regulations, rules, and relevant provisions on the management of religious affairs;

(2) Implement the rules and regulations formulated by the religious groups of that religion;

(3) Establish and improve the management system of personnel, finance, assets, accounting, archives, public security, fire protection, cultural relics protection, food safety, sanitation and epidemic prevention and other management systems of the site, and organize their implementation;

(4) Organizing and carrying out religious activities, handling routine affairs, and maintaining the normal order of the site;

(5) Manage religious professionals and other personnel at that site;

(6) Manage and use the property of the site in accordance with laws and relevant state regulations;

(7) Coordinate the relationship between the site and other aspects of society, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the site and its personnel;

(8) Other duties provided for by laws, regulations, and rules.

Article 31: The religious activity site management organization shall convene a meeting to collectively discuss and decide on all major matters involving the appointment or dismissal of religious professionals, the holding of large-scale religious activities, the establishment of legal person organizations, major economic decisions, large-scale expenditures, the disposal of fixed and intangible assets, the establishment of venues, and foreign exchanges, and promptly report the minutes to the registration management organs for filing.

A meeting of the Management Organization shall be convened only when more than two-thirds of the members of the Management Organization are present, and its resolutions shall be valid only if they are passed by more than two-thirds of all members of the Management Organization.

Chapter IV Personnel Management

Article 32: Religious activity sites shall establish and complete personnel management systems, regulate the religious activities, social activities, and foreign exchanges of their personnel, strengthen the management of personnel at that site, and conduct criticism and education of violators, order corrections, and give corresponding punishments.

Article 33: Religious activity sites accepting permanent or temporary residents shall strictly check and verify their identities, and promptly report and handle household registration or residence registration in accordance with the relevant provisions of the locality.

Religious activity sites shall determine the number of religious professionals in that site on the basis of their capacity and economic capacity, and report it to the registration management organs for filing.

Article 34: Religious activity sites shall follow the relevant provisions of the "Measures for the Management of Religious Professionals" to complete formalities for religious professionals who hold or leave their primary clerical positions in that site or for deregistration of their positions.

Article 35: Religious activity sites shall establish archives of their permanent residents, and report the acceptance, modification, and punishment of religious professionals to the local religious group and registration management organs for filing within 30 days.

Article 36: Religious activity sites shall establish a study system, and periodically organize their personnel to study the principles and policies of the Communist Party of China, state laws and regulations, the fine traditional Chinese culture, religious knowledge, and so forth.

Article 37: Religious activity sites shall encourage and support their personnel to participate in education and training organized by religious groups, religious schools, and relevant departments.

Chapter V: Management of Religious Activities

Article 38: Religious activities organized or held by religious activity sites shall generally be carried out within that site, presided over by religious professionals or other persons who meet the requirements of the rules and regulations of the national religious group of that religion, and are conducted in accordance with doctrine and canons.

Article 39: Religious activity sites carrying out religious activities shall abide by national laws, regulations, and rules, and the content of sermons and sermons shall be appropriate to the characteristics of the mainland's national conditions and the characteristics of the times, integrate the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and embody the Core Socialist Values.

Article 40: Religious activity sites shall strengthen publicity and education on the sense of community of the Chinese nation during religious activities, strengthen the use of the nation's standard spoken and written language, promote ethnic unity and progress, guide religious citizens to increase their awareness of the state, citizenship, and the rule of law, correctly distinguish between ethnic customs and religious beliefs, and must not use religion to interfere in administrative, judicial, educational, and social life.

Article 41: Religious activity sites organizing and holding religious activities shall adhere to the principles of appropriate scale, strict economy, and safety and order, and must not impact social order, production order, or life order.

Temples and churches holding large-scale religious activities shall go through approval formalities in accordance with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" and other relevant provisions.

Article 42: Religious activity sites must not organize or hold religious activities outside their own premises without authorization.

Article 43: Religious activity sites organizing or holding religious activities for the purpose of public interest and charity shall report to the local religious group and registration management organs for filing before doing so.

Article 44: Temples and churches carrying out religious education and training for religious professionals with a study period of three months or more shall be handled in accordance with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" and other relevant provisions, and must not change the teaching teachers, teaching content, enrollment scope, training time, and so forth without authorization.

Article 45: Religious activity sites shall regulate the installation and display of displays, guide religious citizens to burn incense in a civilized manner, and carry out activities such as the release of animals in accordance with laws and regulations.

Religious activity sites must not charge unreasonable fees for providing religious services.

Article 46: The compilation, printing, and distribution of internal religious informational publications and religious articles by temples and churches shall comply with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs", "Regulations on the Administration of the Printing Industry", "Measures for the Administration of Internal Informational Publications", and other relevant provisions.

Article 47: Religious activity sites engaging in Internet Religious Information Services shall handle it in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Measures for the Administration of Internet Religious Information Services".

Chapter VI Construction Management

Article 48: The construction activities of religious activity sites shall comply with relevant laws and regulations such as land and space planning and engineering construction, ecological and environmental protection, protection of cultural relics, fire protection, and nature reserves.

Article 49: New construction, reconstruction, expansion, or reconstruction of religious activity sites or buildings (structures) within religious activity sites shall also be completed in accordance with law after approval by the religious affairs departments in accordance with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" and other relevant provisions.

The construction of religious activity sites shall be carried out in strict accordance with the approved content, and must not be built without approval or without authorization to change the approved planning plan, expand the scale of construction, or change the architectural style.

Article 50: Religious activity sites shall integrate Chinese culture and embody Chinese styles in areas such as architecture, sculpture, painting, and decoration.

Article 51: The construction of religious activity sites shall adhere to the principles of safety and practicality, frugality and moderation, and environmental protection, to prevent the waste of resources, the increase of the public's burden, and the destruction of the ecological environment.

Article 52: The construction of religious activity sites must not raise funds through illegal means, must not be assessed on religious believers, and must not be used for loans beyond their ability to repay.

Article 53: Religious groups and temples and churches planning to build large-scale open-air religious statues in temples and churches shall handle it in accordance with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" and other relevant provisions.

It is forbidden to build large open-air religious statues outside temples and churches.

Article 54: Construction projects for religious activity sites may only be put into use after they have been completed and accepted in accordance with relevant state provisions.

Land used by religious activity sites and all houses and other immovable property shall be registered in accordance with law.

Article 55: No organization or individual who donates funds for the construction of a religious activity site enjoys the ownership or right to use the religious activity site, must not receive economic benefits from the site, and must not interfere in the site's internal affairs.

It is forbidden to invest in or contract the operation of religious activity sites or large-scale open-air religious statues.

Chapter VII: Security Management

Article 56: Religious activity sites shall establish and complete safety management systems, implement safety responsibility systems, periodically carry out safety education and investigation of potential safety hazards, and ensure the safety of persons, property, and religious activities.

Article 57: The management organization of a religious activity site is responsible for the safety management of that site, and the person in charge of the management organization is the first person responsible for the safety work of that site.

Article 58: Religious activity sites shall establish a safety management team to specifically organize and implement safety work, and perform the following duties:

(1) Formulate the safety management system, accident handling and emergency response plan of the site, and clarify the safety responsibility;

(2) Configure safety facilities and equipment in accordance with relevant national standards, set up safety signs, and regularly organize inspection and maintenance to ensure that they are intact and effective, and keep inspection and maintenance records on file for future reference;

(3) Regularly organize safety publicity and education, safety training, and safety drills for personnel and religious citizens at the site;

(4) Regularly organize safety inspections of fire protection, food, health, construction, cultural relics, etc., promptly investigate and eliminate potential safety hazards, and establish safety files;

(5) Carry out public security work and maintain the normal order of the premises;

(6) Stop illegal religious activities and cult activities, resist religious extremism, and prevent foreign forces from using religion to infiltrate.

When major accidents or violations of religious taboos occur in religious activity sites, such as incidents that harm religious citizens' religious feelings, undermine ethnic unity, or impact social stability, they shall immediately initiate an emergency response plan, report to the registration management organs, and cooperate with the relevant departments to do a good job of handling it.

Article 59: Temples and churches hosting large-scale religious activities shall perform the following safety management duties:

(1) Formulate safety and security plans and emergency response plans and organize drills;

(2) Ensuring the safety of temporarily erected facilities and buildings (structures);

(3) Comprehensively investigate and rectify potential safety hazards inside and outside the site, ensure that evacuation channels, safety exits, evacuation indication signs, emergency lighting and fire protection passages comply with fire technical standards and management regulations, and keep fire protection facilities and fire fighting equipment complete, intact and effective;

(4) Allocate security personnel, evacuation guides, and other relevant staff appropriate to the needs of religious activity security efforts;

(5) Carry out necessary safety education and training;

(6) Ensure the safety and orderliness of religious activity sites;

(7) Other security duties provided for by laws, regulations, and rules.

Article 60: Religious activity sites shall establish and complete fire safety management systems, strengthen the management of fire sources such as open flames, lamps, paper burning, and incense, strengthen the safety of electricity use, standardize the laying of electrical wiring, strictly manage all kinds of flammable and explosive materials, and prohibit the use of flammable and combustible sandwich materials to build temporary facilities and buildings (structures). Safe and effective protective measures shall be taken in areas such as canteens and accommodations where it is truly necessary to use gas.

Article 61: Religious activity sites shall establish food safety and sanitation and epidemic prevention systems and implement the provisions of the systems, and shall promptly report major food safety incidents and epidemics to departments such as for religious affairs administration, food supervision, and hygiene administration, or to township-level people's governments, and comply with relevant provisions.

Article 62: Religious activity sites shall strengthen routine maintenance and safety inspections of buildings (structures), and promptly eliminate potential safety hazards.

Religious activity sites must not change the function and use of buildings (structures) without authorization.

Article 63 Religious activity sites shall, in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations on the protection of cultural relics, register, manage and protect cultural relics located in or under the management of the site, so as to prevent the cultural relics from being damaged or lost.

Religious affairs departments shall coordinate with relevant departments to ensure funding for the protection of cultural relics at religious activity sites. Chapter VIII: Supervision and Management

Article 64: Religious activity sites shall strengthen internal management, establish and complete management systems in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws, regulations, and rules, and accept guidance, oversight, and inspections from relevant local departments.

Article 65: Religious activity sites shall establish supervisors (three or more supervisors may establish a board of supervisors) responsible for supervising the site's management organization and its members' compliance with laws, regulations, and rules, as well as the religious groups to which they belong, and the rules and regulations formulated by the site. Religious activity site management organizations convene meetings, and supervisors (boards of supervisors) shall attend as observers.

Supervisors are elected by local religious groups, representatives of religious citizens, and registration management organs, and their term of office is the same as that of members of the management organization, and may be reappointed upon expiration. Members of the management organization and their close relatives and financial personnel shall not serve as supervisors.

Article 66: Religious affairs departments shall conduct oversight and inspections of religious activity sites' compliance with laws, regulations, and rules, the establishment and implementation of site management systems, changes to registration items, handling filing formalities, and religious activities and activities involving foreign interests.

Religious affairs departments shall guide township-level people's governments, villagers' committees, and residents' committees in performing their duties in the management of religious activity sites.

Article 67: On the basis of the Constitution, laws, regulations, rules, and policies, as well as actual work needs, national religious groups shall draft rules and regulations for religious activity sites within the scope of their operations, and make specific provisions on the oversight of site management organization members and their term of office, religious professionals, principal clergy, religious activities, financial and asset management, and so forth.

Religious groups shall guide religious activity sites in establishing, perfecting, and implementing internal management systems, and urge religious activity sites with problems in internal management to carry out rectifications.

Article 68: Religious activity sites shall accept the guidance of religious groups on religious affairs and the supervision of religious citizens.

Article 69: Where religious affairs departments and religious groups receive reports of religious activity sites' violations of laws, regulations, rules, or religious group rules and regulations, they shall investigate and verify them, and handle them in accordance with laws and regulations.

Chapter IX: Legal Responsibility

Article 70: Where public employees abuse their authority, derelict their duties, or twist the law for personal gain in the management of religious activity sites, they are to be given sanctions in accordance with law;

Article 71: Where religious activity sites violate the provisions of these Measures, the registration management organs or relevant departments are to give punishments in accordance with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" or relevant laws and regulations.

Where religious activity sites are established without authorization, the religious affairs departments, in conjunction with relevant departments, are to punish them in accordance with the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" or relevant laws and regulations.

Article 72: Where members of a religious activity site management organization violate the provisions of these Measures, the registration management organs are to order corrections; where the circumstances are serious, order the site to be removed or replaced; and if they are religious professionals, they are to be punished in accordance with the provisions of the "Regulations on Religious Affairs"; where a crime is constituted, criminal responsibility is pursued in accordance with law.

Chapter X: Supplementary Provisions

Article 73: "Local religious groups" as used in these Measures refers to the county (city, district, banner) religious group where the religious activity site is located.

Where counties (cities, districts, banners) do not have relevant religious groups, the corresponding duties provided for in these Measures are to be performed by the religious groups in districted cities (prefectures, prefectures, leagues).

Where districted cities (prefectures, prefectures, or leagues) do not have relevant religious groups, the corresponding duties are to be performed by the provincial, autonomous region, or directly governed municipality religious groups.

Where provinces, autonomous regions, or directly governed municipalities do not have relevant religious groups, the national religious groups are to perform the corresponding duties.

Article 74: The financial management of religious activity sites is to be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the "Measures for the Financial Management of Religious Activity Sites".

Article 75: The State Bureau of Religious Affairs is responsible for the interpretation of these Measures.

Article 76: These Measures take effect on September 1, 2023. In 2005, the State Administration for Religious Affairs promulgated the Measures for the Examination and Approval and Registration of the Establishment of Religious Activity Sites, which was repealed at the same time.

Source: China National Daily