Controversy around Buddhist abbot Shi Xuecheng seen as sign of #MeToo’s rise in China

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

One of China’s most high-profile Buddhist monks has resigned from a national post after reports of sexual misconduct, a religious association has said. 'The council accepted Xuecheng's resignation as president of the Buddhist Association of China,' said a statement posted Wednesday on the association's website. • High-ranking Buddhist monk accused of sexual misconduct as #MeToo expands in China

The announcement of Xuecheng’s resignation was included in a report about the Buddhist association’s regular meeting and did not mention the controversy surrounding the powerful monk. The 52-year-old, who is abbot of the well-known Longquan Temple on the outskirts of Beijing, was accused by two of the monastery’s former monks of coercing nuns into sex, building illegal temples and embezzling funds. Xuecheng has not commented publicly on his resignation. Xuecheng "was an influential political adviser to the central government while heading the national Buddhist association," and is viewed as "one of China's best known monks and authors," according to The Associated Press. Xuecheng, who is also a member of China’s top political advisory body, stepped down as chairman and from other key roles after the State Administration for Religious Affairs launched an investigation earlier this month, the association said on Wednesday.
Following accusations by fellow monks of sexual misconduct and embezzling funds—accusations which were subsequently posted on social media—the Buddhist Association of China announces Shi Xuecheng's resignation from the office of president of that organization. Xuecheng had dismissed the records as a fabrication.