Reincarnation Unlawful?
by Joseph Morris
Issue 96 - November 21, 2007

The Government of the People's Republic of China has long demanded the authority to approve appointments by churches and religious groups of their respective ministers, bishops, priests, and other leaders.

The PRC has also long insisted on a government monopoly on the recognition of "living Buddhas", a matter of some sensitivity, particularly in Tibet.

But now the Chinese Government claims power to regulate reincarnation. I'm not making this up.

On July 13, 2007, the PRC's State Administration of Religious Affairs adopted State Religious Affairs Bureau Administrative Order No. 5, effective September 1, 2007.

Under that decree, henceforth, to reincarnate in China one must first file an application with the government. No reincarnations will be permitted without government approval.

Mr. Jefferson, call your office (if you have a branch office in Beijing).

In China, it would appear, the "wall of separation" is not a "Great Wall".

The reincarnation regulatory scheme even includes provisions for "Buddha-impact" metrics and make-work opportunities for social workers. I swear I'm not making this up. See, for example, Article 7, which provides in relevant part:

"Once an application for a living Buddha's reincarnation has received approval, depending on the size of the living Buddha's impact, the corresponding Buddhist Association shall establish a reincarnation guidance team...."

One is tempted to say that this is one law that it would be fascinating to see enforced. But, I suppose, a prudent lawyer would caution: When visiting China, do not attempt reincarnation without a license.

(Legal opinion applicable in Illinois only: Feel free to reincarnate at any time in Illinois. No license is required and, as of this writing, reincarnation is still not subject to tax anywhere in this State, including, remarkably enough, in Cook County and Chicago.)

Words otherwise fail to comment justly on the decree. One must read it for oneself.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2194682.ece and

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-08/04/content_5448242.htm )

Joseph A. Morris is senior partner in the firm of Morris & De La Rosa in Chicago and is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Conservative Union.