Bush worships at official church in Beijing

President Bush, in Beijing to attend the Olympics, this morning worshiped in an official, government-authorized, Protestant church, to the dismay of religious freedom advocates, who wanted him to do more to criticize the Chinese government's restrictions on Christianity. The president's statement upon emerging from the service, as transcribed by the White House:

"You know, I've just -- Laura and I just had the great joy and privilege of worshiping here in Beijing, China. You know, it just goes to show that God is universal, and God is love, and no state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion. And I want to thank the pastor for his hospitality. And I want to thank this beautiful choir for singing Amazing Grace and Edelweiss. It was a touching moment. It's been a joy to worship here. Again, I want to thank you, sir, and God bless you. God bless you."

Bush briefly addressed the religious freedom issue in Thailand Thursday, saying:

"I have spoken clearly and candidly and consistently with China's leaders about our deep concerns over religious freedom and human rights. I have met repeatedly with Chinese dissidents and religious believers. The United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings. So America stands in firm opposition to China's detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists."

And today, after attending worship, he raised the issue again with Chinese President Hu Jintao, saying "As you know, I feel very strongly about religion,'' according to AP. And Reuters reports that Dennis Wilder, a White House National Security Council official who briefed reporters after the meeting, said, "President Hu seemed to indicate that the door is open to religious freedom in China and that in the future there will be more room for religious believers."

Today's Washington Post takes a look at religious freedom in China with a story by Maureen Fan, who reports:

"Religious freedom does not extend beyond the heavily secured perimeter fence of the Olympic Green. In this Olympic year, government officials have sharply tightened restrictions on religion, arresting leaders of unregistered "house churches," stepping up harassment of congregations, denying visas to foreign missionaries and shutting down places of worship, church members and religious activists said."

(Photo, by AFP, shows President Bush speaking after attending worship today at Beijing Kuanjie Protestant Christian Church.)