The congress of the China Atheism Society, the first since it resumed activities in 1996, as well as its annual academic conference came to an end here Thursday.

Ren Jiyu, director of the National Library and a noted Chinese scholar, was once again elected chairman of the board of directors of the research body.

Ren's report entitled "Display Scientific Spirits and Improve the Quality of the People" received positive responses from the over 70 participants who shared his views at the two-day meeting.

The participants condemned the notorious cult of "Falun Gong" headed by Li Hongzhi, and hailed last July's central leadership decision to crack down on the cult group.

They urged efforts to safeguard the basic rights of religious believers and atheists granted by the Constitution and laws.

The society was founded in 1979 and now has several hundred members, mostly scientists and educators.

(Xinhua 2000/11/02)