Choosing a church can be complicated in China under the rule of the officially atheist Communist Party - especially in Youtong village, where roughly half the 5,000 residents are Catholics. Within a mile radius, the village in northern China's Hebei province hosts a Catholic church sanctioned by Chinese authorities, two large "underground" churches, and numerous smaller unofficial house churches, according to villagers. Youtong provides a snapshot of the muddled and delicate situation for China's estimated 12 million Catholics, with allegiances split between government-sanctioned churches and the underground ones endorsed by the Vatican, amid expectations that a historic accord will soon be struck between Rome and Beijing. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj SEARCH "SAGOLJ CATHOLICS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY. Matching text: CHINA-VATICAN/VILLAGE 

Jonathon Sherman puts his yarmulke on after he was done speaking about his father who, he said, was an atheist, at a memorial service for his parents, Apotex pharmaceutical billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife Honey, days after what police call their suspicious deaths in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 21, 2017. REUTERS/Mark Blinch 

Jonathon Sherman takes his yarmulke off as he speaks about his father who was he said was an atheist, at a memorial service for his parents, Apotex pharmaceutical billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife Honey, days after what police call their suspicious deaths in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 21, 2017. REUTERS/Mark Blinch 

Retired teacher Melek Algin Iyidinc, 60, who says she will vote No in the referendum, poses in her garden in Artvin, Turkey, April 4, 2017. "I am a socialist and atheist. I have never voted for the AK Party. "Erdogan is not a person who settles with the power he has. He is an authoritarian, always asking for more power. There should be a point at which the people of this country stop this. The referendum gives us this opportunity. ItÕs time to say no," Iyidinc said. She said that Turkey's biggest problems are the lack of democracy, the economy and the environment: "The government recently gave license to mining companies to dig our green forests. It is going to cause a big environmental disaster. Only when these mining projects are cancelled can I have hope again for our future." REUTERS/Umit Bektas SEARCH "VOXPOPS UMIT" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.? 

A signboard of the Sanatan Sanstha ashram is seen in this picture near Ponda in the western state of Goa, India, October 15, 2015. The arrest of a member of India's Sanatan Sanstha sect following the murder of a well-known atheist has prompted renewed calls from some politicians to ban the Hindu group, as concerns grow the country's tradition of religious tolerance is being eroded. Opening the doors of its Goa headquarters to foreign journalists for the first time this month, Sanatan Sanstha told Reuters it had nothing to do with the February murder of Govind Pansare, and its mission was opposed to violence in all forms. Instead, its members are preparing for the advent of a divine Hindu kingdom in India within eight years. To Match Insight INDIA-RELIGION/ Picture taken October 15, 2015. REUTERS/Frank Jack Daniel

Members of the Atheist Coalition, one dressed as a bishop, kiss at an International Woman's Day rally in Warsaw, March 8, 2015. Banner reads "Kopacz Ewa (Polish prime minister) we need secular state" REUTERS/Kacper Pempel (POLAND - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY) 

Afrobeat musician Seun Anikulapo-Kuti, 32, an ethnic Yoruba, poses with his dog on an open terrace at the Fela museum in Lagos February 1, 2015. Anikulapo-Kuti is the son of Nigeria's music legend Fela Kuti. He believes Boko Haram is not a new kind of revolutionary group but an entity created for some kind of political disturbances in Nigeria. Reuters photographer Akintunde Akinleye photographed Nigerians and asked them about their views on the elections as well as their hopes and concerns for the country. Nigeria's agreement to delay this week's election on the advice of security forces creates a worrying echo for some of the annulment of 1993's democratic vote by a military government. The election in Africa's biggest economy, initially scheduled to take place this Saturday, was set to be the closest fought since the end of military dictatorship in 1999. President Goodluck Jonathan is seeking re-election in a contest with main opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari, himself a former military ruler. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye (NIGERIA - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT POLITICS ELECTIONS SOCIETY PORTRAIT)

ATTENTION EDITORS: PICTURE 05 OF 15 FOR WIDER IMAGE PACKAGE 'NIGERIA: VOICE OF THE PEOPLE'

SEARCH 'VOX POP' FOR ALL IMAGES 

Dominique Bons shows a photo of her son Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, during an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Dominique Bons shows a photo of her son Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, during an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Dominique Bons, mother of 30-year-old Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Dominique Bons, mother of 30-year-old Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, attends an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Dominique Bons, mother of 30-year-old Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, attends an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Dominique Bons, mother of 30-year-old Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Dominique Bons, mother of 30-year-old Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, walks on a street before an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Dominique Bons, mother of 30-year-old Nicolas, a young convert to Islam who has died fighting in Syria, walks on a street before an interview with Reuters in Toulouse, southwestern France, March 10, 2014. France plays into the hands of Islamist rebel recruiters by jailing young people on their way to fight in Syria and must find a way to intervene earlier in support of their parents, said the mother of two boys killed in the country. Bons was sent a text message last year saying her 30-year-old son had been "martyred" on Dec. 22 driving a truck bomb in the Syrian city of Homs. He grew up in a middle class suburb to atheist parents but converted to Islam in 2009. Like his younger half-brother who died in Syria months earlier, Nicolas joined the al Qaeda splinter group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Picture taken March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) 

Czech priest Tomas Halik smiles during a news conference after being awarded the 2014 Templeton Prize in London March 13, 2014. Halik, a Catholic priest whose theology of paradox invites believers and atheists to dialogue has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, worth $1.83 million, for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Czech priest Tomas Halik (L) acknowledges Jack Templeton, son of John Templeton, the founder of the Templeton Prize, during the 2014 Templeton Prize award in London March 13, 2014. Halik, a Catholic priest whose theology of paradox invites believers and atheists to dialogue has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, worth $1.83 million, for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Czech priest Tomas Halik speaks during a news conference after being awarded the 2014 Templeton Prize in London March 13, 2014. Halik, a Catholic priest whose theology of paradox invites believers and atheists to dialogue has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, worth $1.83 million, for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Czech priest Tomas Halik speaks during a news conference after being awarded the 2014 Templeton Prize in London March 13, 2014. Halik, a Catholic priest whose theology of paradox invites believers and atheists to dialogue has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, worth $1.83 million, for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Czech priest Tomas Halik speaks during a news conference after being awarded the 2014 Templeton Prize in London March 13, 2014. Halik, a Catholic priest whose theology of paradox invites believers and atheists to dialogue has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, worth $1.83 million, for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Czech priest Tomas Halik reacts during a news conference after being awarded the 2014 Templeton Prize in London March 13, 2014. Halik, a Catholic priest whose theology of paradox invites believers and atheists to dialogue has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, worth $1.83 million, for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Czech priest Tomas Halik smiles during a news conference after being awarded the 2014 Templeton Prize in London March 13, 2014. Halik, a Catholic priest whose theology of paradox invites believers and atheists to dialogue has won the 2014 Templeton Prize, worth $1.83 million, for his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside (C) conducts a humanist wedding ceremony for groom Brendan Hastings and bride Suzy Addis at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside poses for a picture with a marriage certificate after conducting a humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

A marriage certificate is seen after a humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside waits for a bride and groom before conducting a humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside poses for a picture with a marriage certificate after conducting a humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

A close up shows confetti on the head of bride Suzy Addis after her humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside (C) conducts a humanist wedding ceremony as the groom Brendan Hastings and bride Suzy Addis watch, at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside (R) wipes his brow as readings are made during a humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Bride Suzy Addis arrives for her humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside (R) conducts a humanist wedding ceremony as the groom Brendan Hastings and bride Suzy Addis watch, at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Director of Ceremonies Brian Whiteside (R) watches as the bride and groom have their photograph taken before their wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Suzy Addis makes her way from her bridal suite to her humanist wedding ceremony at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. To match story IRELAND-MARRIAGE/HUMANISTS REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

The groom, Brendan Hastings and bride, Suzy Addis are covered in confetti after their Humanist Wedding at the Millhouse in the village of Slane, County Meath July 17, 2013. Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed atheist wedding ceremonies this year for the first time, but the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by the hundreds of couples seeking their services. Photograph taken on July 17, 2013. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard speaks after being presented with the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard speaks after being presented with the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard speaks after being presented with the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard gestures as he speaks after being presented with the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard speaks after being presented with the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard accepts the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard speaks after being presented with the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

Comedian Eddie Izzard speaks after being presented with the 6th Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts February 20, 2013. The award is presented each year by the Humanist Community at Harvard, the American Humanist Association, and the Harvard Community of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES - Tags: EDUCATION RELIGION ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE) 

A monk uses an Apple iPhone to film inside a temple in Shanghai June 7, 2012. Buddhist and Taoist temples have no right to go public and list shares on stock exchanges, a Chinese official was quoted in state media as saying of an issue that seems to have touched a nerve with the officially atheist government. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS BUSINESS TELECOMS) 

A monk checks his phone inside a temple in Shanghai June 7, 2012. Buddhist and Taoist temples have no right to go public and list shares on stock exchanges, a Chinese official was quoted in state media as saying of an issue that seems to have touched a nerve with the officially atheist government. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS BUSINESS TELECOMS) 

A man walks past a handbag store that is part of a temple in Shanghai June 7, 2012. Buddhist and Taoist temples have no right to go public and list shares on stock exchanges, a Chinese official was quoted in state media as saying of an issue that seems to have touched a nerve with the officially atheist government. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: RELIGION BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A monk checks his phone inside a temple in Shanghai June 7, 2012. Buddhist and Taoist temples have no right to go public and list shares on stock exchanges, a Chinese official was quoted in state media as saying of an issue that seems to have touched a nerve with the officially atheist government. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS BUSINESS TELECOMS) 

A pagoda is seen inside a temple in Shanghai June 7, 2012. Buddhist and Taoist temples have no right to go public and list shares on stock exchanges, a Chinese official was quoted in state media as saying of an issue that seems to have touched a nerve with the officially atheist government. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION BUSINESS) 

Signs in support of atheism are seen during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A member of the U.S. Army's Golden Knights gathers his parachute after landing during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A member of the U.S. Army's Golden Knights performs during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Well-known atheist and best-selling author Richard Dawkins speaks to the crowd during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Supporters listen to a speech by well-known atheist and best-selling author Richard Dawkins during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Supporters listen to a speech by well-known atheist and best-selling author Richard Dawkins during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Sean Faircloth, director of Strategy & Policy for the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science, speaks to the crowd during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Attendees watch as Canadian rapper Baba Brinkman performs during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY ENTERTAINMENT) 

Aaron Bishop of Maryland gestures while watching Canadian rapper Baba Brinkman perform during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY ENTERTAINMENT) 

A fan listens to Canadian rapper Baba Brinkman during the "Rock Beyond Belief" festival at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina March 31, 2012. The atheist-themed festival drew hundreds of people to Fort Bragg on Saturday for what was believed to be the first-ever event held on a U.S. military base for service members who do not have religious beliefs. Organizers said they hoped the "Rock Beyond Belief" event at Fort Bragg would spur equal treatment toward nonbelievers in the armed forces and help lift the stigma for approximately 295,000 active duty personnel who consider themselves atheist, agnostic or without a religious preference. REUTERS/Chris Keane (UNITED STATES - Tags: MILITARY RELIGION SOCIETY ENTERTAINMENT)