China Bans Retired Communist Party Members From Believing in a Religion or Practising Religious Activities

 

China has banned retired Communist Party members from believing in a religion or practising religious activities

China is officially atheist but says it guarantees religious freedom.

China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but in practise religious activities are tightly controlled.

All churches have to be approved by the state and authorities keep a close eye on their activities to contain their influence.

Muslims in Xinjiang have also faced restrictions on their religious activities, while the Falun Gong spiritual movement has been denounced as an "evil cult" and has been banned since 1999.

However, serving Communist Party members are not expected to be religious

Newly published Party rules now say retired officials are also barred from religion and must oppose cults

The regulations were issued by the Communist Party's powerful Organization Department.
Retired officials should "maintain a high degree of consistency, in thought, in political views and in action, with the central party committee which is headed by Xi Jinping", the official added