CLINTON VISITS CHURCH IN CHINA.

Byline: Terence Hunt Associated Press 

From the simple sanctuary of China's largest Protestant church, President Clinton preached a message of religious unity today to a nation where Christian leaders have been jailed or harassed by the government.

``I believe that Chinese and Americans are brothers and sisters as children of God,'' the president told the congregation at Chongwenmen Church. ``We come here in that spirit today.''

In a country where Clinton's very attendance at church highlighted the quest for religious freedom, he said, ``I believe our faith calls upon us to seek unity with people across the world of different races and backgrounds and creeds.''

The president spoke in a large sanctuary with white plaster walls and brown wooden floor and ceiling. The squat gray building - unmarked by any steeple - is tucked at the rear of a hotel parking lot, past a row of shanties.

There was a brief disruption when a middle-aged woman, unknown to the parishioners, walked up the aisle toward the president's pew. Some members of the congregation tried to grab her but she shook them off, saying she wanted to see Clinton. ``Don't throw me out, I'll leave of my own accord,'' she shouted.

She was escorted to the rear of the sanctuary and sat silently through the service. Afterward, she was allowed to see Clinton and told him she was a charismatic Christian, thanked him for coming to China and expressed hope that China's leaders would become Christians, a White House official said. Members of the congregation would not allow reporters to talk to the woman, said to be from another province.

Human rights groups say dozens of Protestant and Catholic leaders are imprisoned or held in Chinese labor camps for refusing to bow to government control. Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin agreed to exchange visits of religious leaders to further understanding on spiritual matters.

In addressing the congregation, Clinton quoted from the Bible, Acts 17:26, ``God has made from one blood every nation to dwell on the surface of the Earth,'' and he added, ``I believe that is true.''

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will carry the call for religious freedom Wednesday when they visit the Ohel Rachel Synagogue in Shanghai. It was a haven for persecuted Jews during World War II.

After worshipping, the Clintons planned a day of sightseeing at the palaces of the Forbidden City and China's most famous landmark, the Great Wall.

The president was presented with a Bible written in Chinese and English, as well as a cassette of hymns. ``We are a long way from home but we felt very much at home with you at this church,'' the president said.

He said he was encouraged by the ``growth of the practice of our faith in China.''

On Saturday, Clinton and Jiang had treated China to an uncensored airing of differences on human rights, freedom, trade and Tibet. The leaders eagerly jumped in after each other to get the last word. It was spirited but cordial, and neither leader was reluctant to emphasize differences. ``You can see that neither one of us are shy about being strong about how we believe,'' Clinton said.

American officials applauded China's willingness to broadcast the 70-minute news conference across the land.

``I think President Clinton is a strong defender of the American interest, and I am a strong defender of the Chinese interest,'' Jiang said. ``But despite that, we still can have very friendly exchanges of views and discussion.''

Switching languages, he added in English, ``And I think that is democracy.''

Sandy Berger, Clinton's national security adviser, said the exchange between Clinton and Jiang demonstrated the wisdom of engagement with China. He said Jiang ``not only was willing to engage but seemed almost eager to engage in that dialogue.''

Speaking afterward, many Chinese expressed satisfaction with the summit and the televised appearance.

``For us Chinese, it really is new to see two presidents speaking face-to-face, with reporters asking question, on live television,'' said Andrea Yang, an insurance company employee in Beijing. ``I hope we can see more of that in the future. This is quite big progress.''

Clinton's critics back home weren't so happy.

``He reduced it to a disagreement. It's more than a disagreement,'' said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said he treated the massacre around Tiananmen Square as a ``historical episode.''

Just before the news conference, Clinton learned Beijing had agreed to broadcast it live. He took the opportunity to speak to such a huge audience to emphasize a message of human rights.

Clinton said the United States and China still disagree about the Tiananmen crackdown nine years ago and that ``the use of force and the tragic loss of life was wrong.'' He said some of the pro-democracy advocates arrested then for nonviolent activities are still in prison. ``Is there something that could be done there?'' Clinton wondered.

Jiang did not answer that point but said - as he has in the past - that ``resolute measures'' were necessary in 1989 to ensure China's stability. He said China and the United States ``have different means and ways in realizing human rights and fundamental freedoms'' because of differing social systems, ideology, traditions and cultures.

``It is nothing strange that they should have some differences of views on certain issues,'' the Chinese leader repeated later in a state dinner toast. Clinton, in his toast, made no explicit mention of differences and said, ``Mr. President, the American people admire the great strides that China has taken.''

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PHOTO President Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin, right, toast members of China's army band.

J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press