A senior Chinese official has called for promoting the values of the country's religions, such as sincerity, harmony, safeguarding the nation and loving the people.

Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during his visit to southeastern Fujian Province from May 31 to June 2.

Du told religious people that efforts should be made to build temples, churches and monasteries into harmonious places and let religions be compatible with socialism and safeguard national interests.

He said as Chinese citizens, religious people should have the country, the people and the law in mind, safeguard the nation's fundamental interests, abide by the law and religious principles and keep to the rule of the profession.

Religious people should identify "positive elements" in religious sutras and tenets and "explain them in a way that was in line with the era and easily received by followers," Du said.

He said they should carry forward the tradition of benevolence and helping people in need, and devote themselves to social services such as helping the elderly and the disabled and in disaster relief.

Religious communities should find their "place in economic and social development" and let religions "better serve society," he said.