Abstract: This paper outlines the ethical dilemma of cross-strait Mazu pilgrimage. Placed in context with limits on religious freedom toward Uyghur Muslims and Chinese Christians, Mazu worship, a common folk religious practice, becomes complicated. Upon examining cross-strait politics and China's religious policies, an apparent double standard emerges: Mazu worshipers have freedom of movement and governmental support while other religious people in China face persecution. Through a universal application of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, Taiwanese Mazu pilgrimage becomes increasingly precarious as worshipers weigh the ethical dilemma of pilgriming in light of limits on religious freedom. 

This version of the paper is revised from my original submission for class. I worked to soften language surrounding human rights violations in Xinjiang in order to prepare the piece for publication.