In a recent speech, China's justice minister warned lawyers that their primary duty was to support the Communist Party and promote a "harmonious society," and said that party minders would be sent to law firms to enforce that doctrine.
In order to promote a harmonious society we must not only make it clear that Mr Holyfield's comments were unacceptable, but also give the Thinking Christian a louder voice.
Last year, Ye Xiaowen, China's top religious official, told Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency, that "religion is one of the important forces from which China draws strength," and he singled out Buddhism for its "unique role in promoting a harmonious society".
Finally, has China exhibited a new model of social control through promoting a harmonious society?
Its support to authoritarian regimes in Myanmar and Africa cannot arguably fit the description of promoting a harmonious world.
The previous Chinese Leader Hu Jintao had a catchphrase of "promoting a harmonious society" or, in Chinese, hexie 和谐.
They often found that reform-based pedagogies are not compatible with their cultural beliefs about teaching and learning (e.g., Confucian values of respect for the elderly, the meaning of classroom discipline, and ways to promote a harmonious learning community).
In that same timeframe, UNICEF has equipped 20,000 caregivers with skills on how to support children in distress and promote a harmonious family environment.
The Fund and FAO agree that, with a view to facilitating the attainment of their common objectives and to promoting a harmonious approach to agricultural development, rural development, food production and nutrition, they shall act in close cooperation and shall consult each other regularly on all matters of mutual interest.
Special activities designed for children exposed to violence Since January 2005, some 23,032 children have participated in activities aimed at reinforcing children's capacity to cope with violence and protect themselves and more than 13,000 care givers have been equipped with skills on how to support children in distress and promote a harmonious family environment.
