BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- China Taoist Association (CTA) held a gathering at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing on Wednesday to celebrate its 50th founding anniversary.

Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the ceremony and met with CTA leaders.

Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu addressed the gathering, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, saying that Taoism, which originated from the Chinese Culture, has produced significant impact on the nation's history, society and culture.

Over the past 50 years, CTA has upheld the banner of loving the nation and the religion, and firmly taken a road that is in conformity with the socialist society, said Hui.

He praised CTA for its efforts to unite Taoist believers of the whole country, assist the Party and the government implement the policy of religious freedom, safeguard the interests of the state and the Chinese nationality, and safeguard the legal rights of the Taoist circle.

CTA has also done a lot in the fields of charity, environmental protection, in carrying out exchanges and liaisons with Taoist circles in Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan, and in promoting national reunification and safeguarding world peace, said Hui.

He urged CTA to play the role of bridge and connection between the Party and the government and its massive followers, help implement the Party's policy and state laws and regulations on religion.

Also present at the ceremony were Liu Yandong, vice chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee and director of the United Front Department of the CPC Central Committee, and representatives of other religions and government departments concerned.