Chinese religious leaders to meet with Carter

A delegation of Chinese religious leaders are visiting Atlanta through Tuesday and will be meeting with their American counterparts and President Jimmy Carter and state political leaders.

The group represents five Chinese government-recognized faiths: Catholic and Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Taoism.

The Chinese and American leaders will discuss new directions and opportunities for dialogue on religious freedom and tolerance in both countries and how religions can contribute to stable societies and promote values, purpose and identity.

The meetings are not open to the public.

The delegation will travel to Washington next week to meet with U.S. political leaders.

Atlanta-based Mercer University and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship are among sponsors of the trip.