Shaolin Temple Indictment Becomes Test Case for Tighter Religious Oversight and Commercial Boundaries
Prosecutors in Henan have formally indicted former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin on multiple charges, according to the source citing Xinhua, following his removal and credential revocation in 2025. The case is driving visible governance responses, including a new supervisory body within China’s official Buddhist association and renewed emphasis on separating religious institutions from business and tourism operations.