The Chinese religious delegation, which is in Switzerland on a visit, held a picture exhibition in Geneva on Monday to demonstrate current religious situation in China.

The exhibition, which displayed more than 40 plates of pictures, introduced the basic situation of five major religions in China, or Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Catholics and Christianity.

The head of the religious delegation and Vice Chairman of Buddhist Association of China, Master Jing Hui, told Xinhua that the purpose of the visit and the exhibition were to let more foreign friends understand the status quo of Chinese religions.

"We enjoy full freedom in our religious beliefs and our religious activities are fully supported by the Chinese government," said Master Jing Hui.

He also criticized Falun Gong, saying it is a cult rather than a religion because some of the Falun Gong believers went to the extreme of killing their relatives and inflicting damage to the society.

At their six-day stay here, the Chinese delegation will also meet local religious leaders and hold a press conference on China's religions.

( April 16, 2002)