Beijing: hotels advised to provide Bibles for Olympic visitors

Source: China Daily

Hotels in Beijing have been advised to provide Bibles for foreign visitors during next year's Olympic Games, the China Daily reports.

"The majority of foreign visitors expected during the 2008 Games have religious beliefs, and we should cater to their needs," said Liu Bainian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Liu, who is also vice-president of the government-approved China Patriotic Catholic Association, said the service could also help clear up foreigners' misunderstandings about China in terms of religion. He added that the Bible is a must at hotel rooms in foreign countries, especially in Europe.

Beijing is expected to receive about around 550,000 overseas visitors during the 29th Summer Olympiad, which opens on August 8, 2008 and will run until August 24.

Liu said authorities should encourage local Christians to donate Bibles for temporary use during the Games, after which they would be returned.

"The China Patriotic Catholic Association could also help collect Bibles," he said.

Zhang Liwei, vice-secretary of the Christian Amity Foundation, which operates the country's sole Bible printing house, told China Daily that his foundation would try its best to meet demand.

Mr Zhang said the Bible is published in Chinese and English in China, as well as in eight ethnic minority languages including Miao and Korean.