In Beijing, China has announced a new oversight body for Buddhist clergy's conduct, one day after the Buddhist Association of China's 11th national congress concluded. Fourth-ranking official Wang Huning urged the association to exercise 'comprehensive and rigorous governance over the religion'. The move follows the 'CEO monk' scandal involving violations of monastic vows.
The Buddhist Association of China (BAC) announced on Tuesday the creation of a new oversight body to improve supervision of Chinese Buddhist monks' conduct. This came one day after the association's 11th national congress concluded in Beijing. The BAC serves as the national governing body for Buddhist affairs.
Shi Zhengci, the abbot of Wuzu Temple in Huangmei county, Hubei province, was elected as the chairman of the board of supervisors, according to the association.
The initiative stems from the recent 'CEO monk' scandal. The former abbot was accused of 'seriously violating' the vow of celibacy required of Buddhist monks by maintaining 'improper relations' with multiple women and fathering at least one child. Keywords mention Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple in Henan province, linked to the scandal, though specifics are not detailed in the sources.
Beijing's fourth-ranking official Wang Huning urged the association to exercise 'comprehensive and rigorous governance over the religion'. Other keywords include the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, Chinese Buddhist monks, Communist Party, Shi Yinle, Liu Ning, Shi Yanjue, and Li Ganjie.
This development underscores China's efforts to tighten control over religious affairs, ensuring clergy adherence to vows.