To join the Party, you must give up your Christian faith.
Christianity is growing in China, despite persecution. By 2030, if trends continue, China will have more than 247 million Christians, which would be more than 17 per cent of the projected population.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) is trying to reverse the trend. Over 88 million people are members of the CPC, and many apply to join to secure better career prospects. However, to join the Party, you must give up your Christian faith.
A recent article written by the Wang Zuaon, Director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, reveals that all Party members must abandon Christianity for Marxist atheism or be punished.
Wang wrote: “Party members should not have religious beliefs, which is a red line for all members.”
“Party members should be firm Marxist atheists, obey Party rules and stick to the Party’s faith… they are not allowed to seek value and belief in religion”, he added.
Wang also wrote that Party officials who have a religious faith should be persuaded to give it up, and those who resisted would be punished by the CPC.
Communist leaders say the party’s recent crackdown on faith is due to its powerful influence. They believe religion—especially Christianity–is dangerous to the unity of the Communist party.
The Times of India reports that some party leaders believe faith is a threat to national security.
Over the past few years, hundreds of “house churches” and official churches were closed as the state sought to contain the spreading Christianity, which had migrated from rural areas into the cities.
In spite of this, Christians are beginning to play a more active role in society and even taking roles within the Party.