ABSTRACT
This chapter describes China's complex religious diversity with particular reference to state religion interactions. It provides an overview of government policies on religion in modern China. State religion relations in China are complex, reflecting the diversity of socio-political dynamics at play. The chapter explores local character of state religion interactions in China using examples from both Christian and folk religion. It concerns religious revival of Christianity that has benefited from various factors such as economic prosperity and political liberalization. Both theologically and politically independent from government structures, Christian groups may be collectively termed Autonomous Christian Communities (ACCs). Other minority groups hitherto without a viable Christian population are likewise experiencing increasing numbers of converts. In contrast to its attitude to Christianity, the states perspective on native religions such as Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and folk religion is not so burdened with suspicions about foreign infiltration. Hong Kong contains the most diverse variety of religious groups in China, ranging from Anglicanism to Zoroastrianism.
