Seeing is believing! A well known American television preacher says he's been convinced by his current trip to China that some western reports on China's human rights and religious belief are distorted and biased.

Paul Crouch, who's the President of the Christian Trinity Broadcasting Network, says he's seen with his own eyes that the Chinese people have a high degree of freedom when it comes to their religious beliefs. That's far beyond the imaginations of some Westerners. He is in China at the invitation of the China Association for International Friendly Contact.

" I've personlly seen that Christains can openly practice and profess their faith in China. I myself have preached a few years ago in the churches in Beijing and also in Shanghai. I'm also told that Christians can meet in their homes, read Bibles and study in groups as well. This Bible is publicly and freely printed and distributed here today. and I'm told that 25 million copies of the bibles are printed in China. This could not have happen a few years ago."

Crouch has also found out about the cult, Falun Gong and voices out his opinions.

" I believe the American and people around the people have a distorted and unbalanced view of China on reporting on Chinese progress as far as human rights and religious freedom as concerned. The Chinese government's dealings with Falun Gong are being portrayed as the government practicing religious oppression. But Falun Gong is detrimental to people' s health. And in fact, the Chinese government is attempting to protect its citizens from this deadly and dangerous Jim Jones-like cult."

Paul Crouch says he will tell this fact to the world. He also says that America should take note of China's achievements in ensuring its people are free to follow their own religious beliefs.

(CRI 2000/06/08)