From AP, via International Herald Tribune:
Outraged Beijing Olympic organizers sought Thursday to refute allegations of religious intolerance, saying Bibles and other religious items for personal use are welcome at next year’s Beijing Olympics.
That latitude, however, does not extend to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, banned eight years ago as an “evil cult” and persecuted mercilessly ever since.
Recent reports by a religious news agency and European media that Bibles would be banned at the Olympics touched off an outcry that prompted a U.S. senator to call the Chinese ambassador for an explanation and a Christian athletes group to protest the “deep violation.” [Full Text]
Read also International Olympic Committee confirms personal Bibles will be allowed by CNA, China dismisses Olympics Bible ban as rumors by Xinhua, and Bibles Allowed in China Olympic Village by Eddie Pells.
