Subsidies to aid religious exchanges

• By Jonathan Chin / Staff writer, with CNA

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The Ministry of the Interior has unveiled religious exchange subsidies of up to NT$3 million (US$94,823) to encourage religious groups to diversify their international partnerships.

Although the ministry did not mention China by name, the policy appears to be geared toward steering religious groups away from that country, as infiltration of cultural exchanges is deemed a national security risk.

The initiative, which started on Friday last week, is intended to encourage religious groups to develop global relationships and raise Taiwan’s international profile while adhering to a Taiwanese perspective, the ministry said in a statement.

Palanquin bearers carry a Matsu palanquin past a Ferris wheel during a procession on July 26.

Photo: Wang Yi-sung, Taipei Times

The subsidies are to facilitate religious exchanges with foreign countries, the globalization of Taiwanese religions, religious cultural development, training of clergy, cultural heritage transmission and cooperation to reduce the carbon footprint of religious sites, it said.

The program applies to temples engaging in global exchanges, accredited academics participating in international seminars and faith groups inviting their foreign counterparts to Taiwan for religious purposes, it said.

The subsidies also apply to events aimed at ensuring the continuity and transmission of folk religious rituals, and conferences promoting sustainable practices in religious rites and temples, it said.

The regulations surrounding religious exchange subsidies were rewritten to broaden the eligibility requirements for beneficiaries and the types of activities that qualify, the ministry said.

Temples, religious groups, privately established religious research associations, universities and colleges and non-profit groups that have been legally registered for at least a year can apply, it said.

Groups are encouraged to make use of the subsidies to facilitate religious exchanges between the nation and the global community, it said.

The religious and cultural exchange subsidies application guidelines have been published by the National Religion Information Network and are accessible at https://religion.moi.gov.tw/.