The State Administration for Religious Affairs of China (SARA) launched its official website on Thursday

SARA, China's top authority responsible for religious affairs, says the website will provide details on religious matters in the country.

It has taken SARA a year to set up the website which can be found at www.sara.gov.cn. It contains information about religious laws, Chinese religions and a news center.

"The website will mainly be used to provide information and news on China's religions and religious theories," according to Ye Xiaowen, head of SARA.

Ye considers the website a fresh channel to publicize religious news and a new way to develop closer relations with those interested in religion around the world.

"Everyone at home and abroad who is interested in Chinese religions can find something of interest on the website," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2005)