People of various faiths will find it easy to continue practicing their religions in Beijing during the Olympic Games.
At the Olympic Village, athletes, coaches and officials from around the world will be able to pray at religious service centers covering Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism as well as Buddhism. And throughout the city, churches, temples and mosques are fully prepared to receive believers from abroad during the games.
First built in the Ming Dynasty, Xuanwumen Church is Beijing's earliest Catholic church. More than 300 years on, the church has become a landmark and a major venue for practitioners. The church offers two sessions of Mass in English each Sunday. Many church-goers here are foreign tourists or expatriates. French tourist said, "It's really nice in Beijing. People are very interested in the Olympic Games. And they welcome us very well."
Diplomat from Italian embassy in Beijing, said, "I've been living in Beijing for 5 years. So I've seen Beijing growing more functional for the Olympic Games."
Jiao Yanmei teaches at a religious school. She's also a volunteer for the Olympic Games. She will join 16 other representatives of the Catholic Church with college diplomas and foreign language proficiency to provide religious services for athletes at the Olympic village.
Jiao Yanmei, volunteer, said, "As a volunteer with the religious service center, I feel very happy to work with my brothers and sisters and help athletes and coaches from around the world."
There are altogether 20 churches within the diocese of the Beijing Catholic Church. Volunteers will also work in these churches to provide language service and other forms of help to foreign visitors.
(CCTV July 29, 2008)
