Why is this article still here? This story was proven to be a complete fabrication. Not only are Bibles not banned at the Olympic Village, free Bibles will be available upon request.

I think they've meant in banning foreign bible. PRC published official bible (with censorship? I don't know!). For Dewi from Indonesia plese note that there is truly government regulated religion as Chinese Catholic Patiots Association (CCPA) without real relationship with Rome.
But it is not a really Catholic Church. Rome Catholic Church is still prohibited and Rome Chatolics people do their faith undergroundly. I have translated a good novel based on facts by Tom Grace into Indonesian The Secret Cardinal. Please, find it. It's inspiring!

do you know that there's actually official christian and catholic churches in China?
there are people who profess they are christian and are a-ok with the government?
So, I don't really buy this story. But we'll see if it's true or not ...

If this banning of Bibles in the Beijing Olympics is true... it is very sad. It opens to banning of all religiuos items and practices. I hope not it is not a test case. Thanks.

Vas Deferens, Dog meat is pretty tasty actually. Don't know about cat.

IMHO, Sounds like some religious christian zealots want the right to shove the bible down the throats of olympic athletes....

How many of them would be opposed to this censorship if the olympic committee approved distribution of the bible, but banned the Koran,Torah, and all other non-christian faith holy books?

PRC officials are not atheistic - they are ANTI-theistic. They know God exists and the third Person of the Holy Trinity is in the hearts and souls of many. The PRC wants God's children to fall into despair. We must help them.
For the bloggers who have excised the PRC crackdown on Roman Catholics - these stories are routinely reported in the mainstream media. There is no religious freedom in China. China has broken its promises to the International Olympics Committee. They all should be held accountable.
We need to pray for the persecuted and the persecutors, and stop putting policy and profit before human rights and religious freedom.

I'm a practicing Catholic and I live in China. While other Christian groups may have a hard time in the country as they are not recognized i guarantee you that Catholic followers have no such troubles. La Gazzetta published an incredibly unclear article in which it implied that Bibles are to be banned; this is NOT true. Since the beginning, the Olympic committee has made clear that distribution of religious items is banned, not the ownership. China is full of problems but such attacks based from unfounded SPORTS NEWSPAPER!! articles makes no sense. If you read up on what's going on Beijing has actually loosened greatly its regulations towards religious groups during the Olympics; an incredible step forward. Please don't propagate false information.

Now that the news has made the rounds and alerted a U.S. official, China backtracks and says that elements determined to ruin their Olympic dream created the false rumor to begin with. They are shameless.

I guess the same elements who created this "false rumor" were the same ones who fabricated stories about SARS back in 2003 and about poisoned pet food/tainted products recently? Yes, everyone is out to get them and they're completely innocent.

Wake up everyone! These same Chinese communists called Catholocism and Christianity a cult for over 50 years, and they still regard Catholics as cult membes who reconize the Vatican instead of the CCP appointed clergy of the Chinese Patriotic Church.

Ever since their inception, the CCP has persecuted countless numbers of victims during their various purges and they continue to do so today. The CCP will never change its stripes. No amount of foreign investment will make them more humane. All it will do is embolden them to become even more sadistic because they'll know they can get away with it as long as they offer economic incentives to the greedy and shortsighted West.

FYI, this report is being denied by the Chinese government. Apparently it's just a rumor, and athletes are welcome to bring a Bible to the Olympic Village.

From The Olympic Charter

51 Advertising, Demonstrations, Propaganda*
1. The IOC Executive Board determines the principles and conditions under which any form
of advertising or other publicity may be authorised.
2. No form of advertising or other publicity shall be allowed in and above the stadia,
venues and other competition areas which are considered as part of the Olympic sites.
Commercial installations and advertising signs shall not be allowed in the stadia, venues
or other sports grounds.
3. No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any
Olympic sites, venues or other areas.


So the relevent questions are:

1. What is meant by "propaganda", specifically is the Bible considered propaganda by the IOC?

2. What is meant by "permitted in . . . Olympic sites?" Specifically, are private personal effects included?

3. How has this regulation been applied in past Olympic events?

4. How important should we allow the Olympics to be? They certainly have a right to organize, but they have no right to a claim on our attention or our honor. The regulation above is obviously a vestige of 20th century modernist bigotry and secular idealism. It is understandable how such a movement arose, but should we underwrite and perpetuate it in its current form, especially those of us who personally worship God?

Why is this news not posted ALL OVER the so-called mainstream media? This is RIDICULOUS! If China banned only the Koran, of COURSE the media would report it.

This story ONLY appears in La Gazzetta dello Sport - has anyone bothered to substantiate it? It wouldn't be the first time a newspaper printed a total fabrication just to get their name circulated.

I don't understand what the big deal is.

I'm pretty sure people can carry their beliefs inside them. The Bible is just a book and will most likely not affect athletic performance.

It can wait at home.

If all FREE countries had ANY sense of fortitude in this we'd just say NO!!! Either allow our athletes to bring their personal belongings including their Bibles or - THEY ARE NOT COMING!

For those of you who cannot read, all religous symbols have been banned from the Olympic village, not just the Bible, although that is probably the most suprising to the majority of Americans and to this website. I'm sure if this was a muslim website it would have reported the suprise that the Koran was not on there.

Does anyone remember 1972? China feels that they cannot keep people safe if they are walking around with Bibles and Korans. That makes sense. Those who are religous will find another way.

Be interesting to see if catholics, christians etc. will stand up for their faith and the bible, as the Falun Dafa/Falun Gong practitioners have done for their fellow practitioners????

I just keep waiting for the day when we all wake up and fight back, together, as they fight against us. It will happen, I just pray it's not before it's too late for us and our children.

In addition to horrific persecution of underground Catholics in China, the Chinese Communist Party(CCP) operates a bustling organ harvesting trade using the organs of Falun Gong practitioners. Chinese run clinics (usually hospitals owned the People's Liberation Army) receive orders from rich foreignors or Chinese, rip out the requested organs from the Falun Gong practitioner while they are still alive, and then cremate the body to cover up the evidence. This is has been confirmed by United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Manfred Nowak. His report corroborates previous findings in 2006 about persecution, abuse and torture of Chinese citizens.

For 5,000 years China's cultural heritage was based on the spiritual principles of Buddhism and Daoism and the moral principles of Confucianism. They stabilized the country and offered the Chinese people a moral compass to guide themselves by. But after the Chinese Communists took power in 1949, they destroyed China's spiritual and cultural heritage and replaced it with a mandatory belief in the CCP. As a result, many Chinese people have become hollow souls who seek fulfillment in the worship of materialism, worldly pleasures, and above all, money. The Chinese regime arrogantly mocks foreignors with spiritual beliefs and persecutes Chinese citizens who maintain a belief system not sanctioned by the State. More people need to learn the truth about the CCP, their brutality and devious nature, and see them for what they truly are.

I'm glad I've been to China before, because that country will be avoided by me if at all possible. China thinks it can have economic freedom without political and religious freedom? It's time for us to deliver the message that it is a package deal. We were right to boycott the Moscow Olympics in 1980, we'll be right to do the same to Beijing 28 years later.

Political propaganda and religious materials are banned by the OLYMPIC CHARTER, not the organizing committee. Sorry folks, but you are the victim of anti-Chinese propaganda.

Is there any organized group that allows us to contact politicians about this ban? We need to come together as Christians and Catholics and pressure everyone in our government possible. If this ban is not lifted we should not participate.

"Security Reasons" yeal, right. China you're not even a good lier.

Anyone who does not believe this story should go to China and perfrom a simple test. In the privacy of your hotel room, google tiannamen square. Like what usually happens when you google something thousands of links will appear. Anything related to the student demonstrations from the late 80's will come back, "Cannot find server," however. I know this from personal experience from the time I have spent in Beijing. Censorship is alive and thriving in China. All of the construction that is occurring in Beijing is window dressing to cover up the poverty stricken areas of the city. The 2008 Olympics is a dog and pony show catering to the west's desire (to alleviate buyer's guilt) that China is making vast strides in the area of human rights and equality. Not true.

Pop quiz: how many nuclear submarines has China built over the last few years?

Settle down folks - had you not noticed that China's a totalitarian country? This unfortunate banning of the Bible (if true) shouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone.

Lets see what happens if Bejing bans the quran too. What will the muslims say then. They'll probably threaten with bombs.

Any nation that supports religious freedom should boycott Beijing. The Chinese actions are a glaring insight into what the godless Communists have planned for all of us.

I believe any Christian that doesn't stand up against this blatent attack on Christianity is a phony. Ban China and the olympics in China and find another country. One thing Chinese worship is money, cut them off.
Also at the very least DEMAND the koran, be banned. I bet it isn't "Onward Christian soldiers"

Guess who's NOT watching the 2008 Olympics?

Excellent comments. When will our governmant and Wal-Mart shoppers realize that China is our ENEMY...not our friend. They are hardcore communists. They want to overthrow us. They are building supercarriers with our scrap steeland are hacking our networks and especially our naval military networks to mimic our Aegis Combat Control systems. We may have to face the fact that we are going to have to try and starve them into non-aggression and honesty...if we still can.

Be not ashamed of God or he will be ashamed of you. Let people think what they want. We all will answer to him in the end. Will you be accepted or rejected?? Its simple FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CAL UPUON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.(ROM. 10;13) whosoever is you all you must do is accept Gods free gift. Call you local bible beliving church to find the inner peace you ave been looking for. God will never fail you, he promises that.

I would bet the Koran is allowed at the olympics. For some reason the rough and tough chinese commies cower to the muslims.
Earlier this year, while the country was celebrating the year of the pig, they banned all images of pigs from their television broadcasts.
Sad.

CHRISTIANS ARE PERSECUTED IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD. CHECK OUT VOICE OF THE MARTYRS WEB SITE, TO SEE NUMBERS AND AREAS, IT IS SHOCKING. THERE FAITH IN CHRIST IS COSTING THEM THEIR LIVES, AND YET THEY CONTINUE TO LOVE AND FORGIVE THOSE WHO PERECUTE THEM.

Their country, their rules. Don't like the rules? Don't go there.

What is China afraid of in banning the Bible? The TRUTH! If God is banned, then we should ban China! It is true. When God is removed tyrants will rule.

I wonder if they'll ban dog and cat meat from the hotel menu.

The Catholic Church has killed countless people who wanted a copy of the Bible to read for themselves.
Strange that they should be so opposed to this now.

Jesus Christ IS LORD!!!

All christian athletes should just not go. Or all should show up with their Bibles. I wouldn't go and I'd call every news outlet and tell them who would listen and who wouldn't. How long are we going to remain silent? Do you know where we would be if we were as passive then as we are today? This rule is heading to America. It's time we stand up and say something, and say it loud.

I have been to China and met these persecuted christians. Despite all they hold strong in the faith. Keep reporting the truth.

There is no way this story is true.

Christian/Catholic athletes must boycott the Beijing Olympics. This is nonsense. What Catholic athletes do with their Bibles is their business, not Beijing's. Are they also planning to ban the Gita, the Torah, the Koran and Granth Sahib? Why not make that clear too? This is ridiculous. Will athletes of faith ever contemplate boycotting China? If there is a concerted effort, then, maybe China will change its mind.

I think if sponsors and people throughout the world protest these prohibitions that the venue is changed or the rule is changed as they won't sponsor and people won't spend their money, fly to the Olympics that change may happen. The old mighty dollar, Euro and other currency could have the largest impact on changing the Olympic committee's mind along with great protest from people throughout the world. Truly people should start thinking about what they buy and where it is made. Sometimes cheaper made comes with a bigger cost than realized.

I agree that it is outrageous that Bibles are banned.

But I would like to know what else is banned. I have googled all over the place and even checked the official olympics site and can not find this list anywhere.I would think that CNA would have a copy for review by people who come to this site.

Can anyone please tell me where I can obtain this list?

Michael

Will there be anyone involved with the Olympics that has enough conviction to stand up for their God?

To submit to such a regulation is to spit in the face of all those who have died so that we might have a copy of The Word.

I wish I had the opportunity to be banned by the Godless Olympic organizers in PRC for bringing a Bible to the Games; I hope that thousands of Christian athletes flout their misguided rule & force the Chinese to either allow religious books, clothing, jewelry & symbols or see their precious photo op before the civilized world ruined by their intolerance.

Is the Koran a prohibited item also? I have noticed that for some reason, probably fear of being killed, that the symbols of Islam get a lot more respect than the christian symbols.Religion of Peace and all that.

I'm wondering if all religious texts were banned, i.e. the Quran, or was it just the Christian Bible?

Wonder if they can have a Book of Mormon?
Torah?
Koran?
Scientology pamplets?
Or is it just Bible Bigotry??

This is outrageous! The Chinease want to outlaw the Bible at the Olympics. Some of these athletes may be religeous and they are prohibited from bringing a Bible? The officials that head up the Olympics need to step in and do something!

Fine, as long as the Koran is also banned.

Obvious question--what about other religious texts? The Koran, the Zend Avista, the Upanishads, the Torah?
Or is this just anti-Christian?

It is time to teach China a lesson in freedom of choice and freedom of religion - Let Christian worldwide inform sponsors of the Olympics and TV broadcast advertisers know what we think about this idea and let's speak with our wallets. How long until that will be labeled as hate.... - good questions, huh?

I personally will be writing to the United States Olympic Committee. That policy should be changed or we should boycott the Olympics.

China won't let you bring in a Bible but they can mass produce 'Christian' items for sale in the U.S. Hmmmmmmmmmm

Are other religious texts also prohibited?

Book of Tao; Koran (Quran); Book of Mormon; etc?

It would be interesting to know the real way this opressive country got to hold the Olympics in the first place. Possibly money, money, money?

Should we be overly surprised? We should be praying hard for China's conversion and our brothers and sisters who continue to be persecuted for living and upholding the Faith (and its moral principles). Imprisonment for bishops that follow Our Lord, and ordering women to have abortions? Such an oppressive regime makes the 2008 Olympics an event most worthy of boycott. Simple stuff.

Personally I think it is time for a boycott of China. With their religious intolerance, cheap labor, tainted products, pirating, and imitation products the country should be sent a message from the rest of the world. Catholic agencies like CNA should call for a boycott. I know I will not be supporting their products. God bless

NO BIBLES ALLOWED AT 2008 OLYMPICS IN CHINA? NOT ALLOWING 'RELIGIOUS' ARTICLES EITHER? LET'S TAKE THE 2008 OLYMPICS TO ANOTHER COUNTRY.....IT IS NOT TO LATE?

WHY OH WHY are we having 2008 OLYMPICS in China?
The government is godless and they treat people of Christian, especially CATHOLIC, religion like the arch enemy! Does the rest of the world approve of this? I say BAN China from the Olympics! Make them release their religious prisoners.

I thiunk the athletes should stay home and ban the Olympics.

The Chinese ought be against the tens of thousands of condoms ordinarily distributed to the athletes as in previous Olympics--or will they support that tradition?

I think teams from "Christian" nations should boycott the Olympics. China wants to be part of the international community, well, send them a message.

Sir,
Olymbics is a international sports, many persons will come and to participate. If any objections in any form to a participant in China then the olymbics authorities should change the venue of the olymbics. China should honour the UN Declarations.

If there was ever a good reason for Christian countries to boycott an Olympics this is it

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to have Bejing host "The Games" while turning a blind eye to the social injustices - all in the name of sports solidarity. What rubbish!

Where can I find a list of items prohibited in Olympic Village?

This is raw bigotry against Christians. What harm is a Bible going to do? What if someone keeps a Bible in their suitcase and only takes it out to read in the privacy of their room before they go to sleep at night? If someone rats them out for having a Bible in the Olympic village, what will happen? Will they lose the medals they already won? Will they be kicked out of the Olympic village? Or out of the Olympics entirely?
Maybe if we all boycotted the Olympics and let them know that the prohibition of the Bible was the reason, they would change their tune. If we boycott the companies who sponsor the Olympics for the same reason, the sponsors wouldn't tolerate such bigotry either.

we shouldn't be suprised at china
that is a wolve in wolves' clothing.
what did you expect?
atheists cannot stand to have true religion for a whole duration of olympic games; they'll faint

I think it would be great if some of the atheletes protested the abuses in China by refusing to participate. Especially those from Democratic countries.

Stephany Rose
All it take for evil to triumph is for the good to do nothing.

It's interesting to note that the Chinese government did not mention these censorships when they were vying for the Olympics. Ihe International Olympic Committee should be more careful stating their own rules before they grant these games to no-democratic nations.