Ethics talk relevant in measuring our strength [EGE/2006/03/15]

      President Hu Jintao spoke to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in early March. He mentioned eight honorable qualities such as patriotism, diligence, honesty and thrift, and eight disgraceful traits including laziness, selfishness, greed and extravagance.

      Some members of the Conference called for textbooks to include the five Confucian virtues: benevolence, righteousness, etiquette, wisdom and faith. Should China return to Confucian traditions, or get a brand-new code of conduct? Money and power have not proven to be a cure-all but have instead aggravated many problems in society. State officials must set a good example for the public.

Source: China Daily, Saturday, March 11, 2006, p. 6.

Comment:

      An excellent editorial! The diagnosis is correct. Might religion be part of the cure?

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China pursues peaceful development [EGE/2005/12/24]

      On December 21, 2005, the Information Office of the State Council issued a long White Paper on China's peaceful development. Continued development of China's economy, with structural reform, innovation, trade, environmental protection and better use of resources, will promote world peace. Progress is being made in meeting the spiritual and cultural needs of the people [religion is not mentioned]. The goal is to build not only a harmonious, well-off China but also a world of sustained peace and common prosperity.

Source: China Daily, Friday, December 23, 2005, pp. 8-9.

Comment:

      Every goal on the optimistic list is good and worth attaining. No one wants another war in East Asia, or anywhere in the world. Yet an oil shortage in coming years may jeopardize growth globally and lead to an ugly scramble for the remaining supplies.

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Diamond Anniversary of Bishop Guo of Jinan [EGE/2005/01/03b]

     Bp. Guo Chuanzhen of Jinan, Shandong, celebrated his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination on October 9, 2004. He was praised for his faithfulness before, during and after the Cultural Revolution.

Source: Faith Forthnightly, 1 Nov 2004 (#224), p. 2

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Sisters Take Perpetual Vows in Handan [EGE/2005/01/03a]

      On 1 October, 23 Sisters of the Congregation of the Paraclete in the Diocese of Handan, Hebei Province, took Perpetual Vows in Yongnian County wearing their white habits and red capes. Bp. Yang Xiangtai, 20 priests and 1500 laity were present.

      The Sisters of the Paraclete were founded in Hebei in 1923. The Congregation was revived in 1988. With this fifth group taking vows, they now number 137: 88 in perpetual vows, 15 in temporary vows, 11 novices and 23 postulants. Sr. Zhang Guihua is the current Superior. They evangelize, care for the sick and elderly, teach kindergarten and do embroidery for support.

Source: Faith Forthnightly, 15 October 2004 (#223), p. 1

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