The Search Of The Positioning And Function Of Religious Groups In Management Of Religious Affairs

Management of religious affairs is an old topic, witch originated far lately from religious appearance, but it has been explicitly or implicitly existed in China for hundreds of years. In contrast, religious group is a new thing. The earliest Chinese religious group (Chinese Buddhist Association) was founded in May1953, which has a60-year-history only. This article mainly bases on the reality of religious groups in Yunnan Province and commits to discuss the orientation and functions of religious groups in religious affairs and society. What more, the article is trying to propose the development direction of religious groups. This issue is also a novelty in the management of religious affairs in our country. That because in the year of2011the official was clearly stated the thesis as "To highlight the dominant position of religious groups, to make religious groups play active roles in the management of religious affairs". Moreover, in the practice of religious affairs in Yunnan, the thesis is still in the phase of exploration and attempt.Firstly, the article theoretically defines religious group and combing it. The next step combined with the actual development of the religious situation in Yunnan and religious groups. Finally analyzed and discussed from the perspective of public administration to get the conclusion of the accurate position, the basic functions and the direction of development of religious groups. However, because of the limitation of knowledge and the practical experience of religious affairs management, the article is trying to inherit and develop the experience and theory of the management of Yunnan religious groups on the basis of religious affairs of China. The way of trial is the first case of religious affairs theory in Yunnan.Some theory of this article would make a contribution to the religious groups to sort out their relationship and make their own functions clear, perhaps also to the healthy development of their reference. Moreover, this article will serve as a trigger effect, causing more experts and scholars to pay more attention to the development of the reality and religious groups in Yunnan.