The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) and the Hsinchu County Government jointly held a Religious Policy Outreach Forum today (August 7). Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang, Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council Shen Yu-chung, and Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke attended the event and engaged in face-to-face discussions with nearly 250 representatives from religious organizations.
The forum covered issues including the legalization of land and buildings used by religious organizations, applications for recognition of real property rights, and financial reporting requirements. Particular attention was also given to the security risks associated with cross-Strait religious exchanges.
Minister Liu Shih-fang stated that Taiwan enjoys religious diversity and freedom, and that religious organizations are an important force in maintaining social stability. More than 1,500 religious organizations have participated in the first six sessions of the Religious Policy Outreach Forum, which primarily seeks to help resolve issues concerning the legalization of temple land and buildings.
The Temporary Act Governing the Handling of Real Property Registered in the Name of Natural Persons on Behalf of Religious Organizations has been extended through June 9, 2028. To date, the government has assisted more than 1,000 religious organizations in resolving cases involving nominee registration of real property. In Hsinchu County, 19 organizations have completed the relevant procedures, while another 38 organizations meet the eligibility requirements. Minister Liu urged qualified organizations to take advantage of the remaining application period. She also reminded religious organizations traveling to mainland China for exchanges to complete the required information registration procedures in accordance with regulations. In addition, she expressed appreciation for the assistance and relief provided by religious organizations during times of disaster, noting that they have become an important force in supporting and stabilizing society.
Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke stated that Hsinchu County was the first local government to launch the Religious Sites ESG Assessment and Incentive Program and a Low-Carbon Certification Program for religious organizations. To date, 26 temples in the county have completed the certification process. He expressed appreciation to religious organizations for their contributions to environmental sustainability and for serving as a positive force in promoting social progress, both spiritually and materially. The county government will continue to work closely with the central government to help religious organizations understand relevant laws and regulations, resolve practical issues, and jointly promote the sound and sustainable development of religious affairs.
Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung emphasized that the government supports healthy, orderly, and equal cross-Strait religious exchanges. He cautioned that, under China's policy of “Sinicization of Religion,” religious exchanges are accompanied by political objectives and missions. Religious organizations are required to follow the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and comply with China's policy of national unification. Religious figures, in particular, are considered a high-risk group. According to statistics from the Straits Exchange Foundation, the number of cases involving individuals detained in mainland China due to their religious beliefs has increased by 50 percent over the past three months. Therefore, the risks associated with traveling to mainland China for religious exchanges remain high, and religious organizations should carefully assess the risks before engaging in cross-Strait religious exchanges.
The Ministry of the Interior concluded by emphasizing that religious organizations are an important force in maintaining social stability. Going forward, the Ministry's religious policy outreach initiative will continue to visit cities and counties across Taiwan, working closely with local governments to further improve support and guidance measures. The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the Hsinchu County Government for its full cooperation and to religious organizations for their longstanding support of the government's religious policies.