Chinese Taoist Association

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Chinese Taoist Association (CTA ; Chinese: 中国道教协会), founded in April 1957, is the main association of Taoism in the People's Republic of China. It is recognized as one of the main religious associations in the People's Republic of China, and is overseen by the State Administration for Religious Affairs. Dozens of regional and local daoist associations are included in this overarching group, which is encouraged by the government to be a bridge between Chinese Taoists and the government, to encourage a patriotic merger between Taoism and government initiatives.[1] The group also disseminates information on traditional Taoist topics, including forums and conferences. The association was a major sponsor of the 2007 International Forum on the Tao Te Ching.[2] The Chinese Taoist Association advocates the recompensation of losses inflicted on Taoism by the Cultural Revolution. Taoism was banned for several years in the People's Republic of China during that period.

Taoist practitioners in China are required to register with the Chinese Taoist Association in order to be granted recognition and official protection. The CTA exercises control over religious doctrine and personnel, and dictates the proper interpretation of Taoist doctrine.[3] It also encourages Taoist practitioners to support the Communist Party and the state. For example, a Taoist scripture reading class held by the CTA in November 2010 required participants to ‘‘fervently love the socialist motherland [and] uphold the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.’’[3] The central government of China has supported and encouraged the Association, along with other official religious groups, in promoting the "harmonious society" initiative of Communist Party General Secretary Hu Jintao.[4]

Chapters

There are several hundred local Taoist associations in China. The below is a listing of the most relevant provincial, municipal and city-level Chinese Taoist Association chapters. The general headquarters are based in Beijing, at the White Cloud Temple.

Provincial chapters
  • Liaoning Taoist Association - since 2006
  • Gansu Taoist Association - since 1985
  • Hunan Taoist Association - since 1986
  • Shanxi Taoist Association - since 1986
  • Henan Taoist Association - since 1987
  • Anhui Taoist Association - since 1998
  • Shandong Taoist Association - since 1992
  • Sichuan Taoist Association - since 1962, dismantled during the Cultural Revolution, resumed in 1993
  • Jiangsu Taoist Association - since 1993
  • Hubei Taoist Association - since 1993
  • Guangdong Taoist Association - since 1994
  • Fujian Taoist Association - since 1997
  • Hebei Taoist Association - since 1997
  • Qinghai Taoist Association - since 1997
  • Zhejiang Taoist Association - since 1999
Municipal chapters
  • Shanghai Taoist Association - since 1956, dismantled during the Cultural Revolution, resumed in 1985
  • Chongqing Taoist Association - since 1998
Prefectural and city chapters
  • Guangzhou Taoist Association
  • Xi'an Taoist Association
  • Hangzhou Taoist Association
  • Shenyang Taoist Association
  • Chengdu Taoist Association
  • Wuhan Taoist Association
  • Fuzhou Taoist Association
  • Suzhou Taoist Association
  • Changsha Taoist Association
  • Wenzhou Taoist Association
  • Qingdao Taoist Association

Notes

  1. ↑ Jia attends China Taoist Association's 50th founding anniversary
  2. ↑ The Way to Harmony: International Forum on the Daodejing - china.org.cn
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Annual Report 2011, Oct 2011.
  4. ↑ Xinhua News Agency, China to Build Harmonious Society with Wisdom of Taoism 23 April 2007.

External links

The following list is not complete since many Taoist associations operating in China don't hold websites.

Branches
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