US ambassador aligned with Vatican about religious freedom in China

Francis Rooney recalls the interventions of President Bush in China and in the meeting with Hu Jintao.

Rome (AsiaNews) – The United States is "aligned" with the Holy See as regards "freedom of worship and association", the US Ambassador at the Vatican, Francis Rooney, told AsiaNews.

He said: "The United States takes note of the statement of the Holy See regarding the ordination of two bishops in China.  The US wants religious freedom and freedom of association.  We have long supported freedom of religion around the world for all peoples.  President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have been very clear on this."

The Ambassador recalled that "President Bush said during his trip to China last year, 'a healthy society is a society that welcomes all faiths and gives people a chance to express themselves through worship with the Almighty'.  And during his meeting with President Hu last month, the President reiterated the importance the United States places on the growth of social, political and religious freedoms in China."

Without getting into the "specific matter of the ordination or excommunication of bishops", Ambassador Rooney upheld the full agreement between the United States and the Holy See about matters regarding freedom of religion and of association.

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