CHINESE COMMUNIST MEMBERSHIP COLLAPSING AS CHURCH ATTENDANCE GROWS

A secret document from China's Department of Propaganda seeking to stop the growth of religion and spirituality among the Chinese has been exposed through the Voice of the Martyrs. The document states: 'Westernizing' and 'disintegrating' trends in the name of religion threaten China and the government must "be patient and meticulous in imperceptibly influencing the people", especially the young and leading party cadres, so as to stop the "growth of religions, cultic organizations and superstitions and strengthen Marxist atheism".

The government is particularly interested in exploiting all the means of communication at its disposal, especially the Internet, as tools to improve the moral development of the young and conduct Marxist atheism propaganda and education.

Despite the fact that Chinese Marxists have invested over 20 million dollars to promote atheism, at least one-third of the 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) belong to a religious organization and half of these, some 10 million members, participate regularly in religious services. Communist party membership is "collapsing" causing a crisis within the CCP. Many who are members, are so only for the perceived benefits of membership such as Government employment. "

The number of cadres involved in religious activities in cities stands at 12 million and among them, 5 million are regulars. In rural areas, 8 million CCP cadres attend religious events, and 4 million among them are regulars. There are those whose whole families are involved, and there are cases where local CCP organizations participate as a group. Various mid- and high-level cadres have set up a room in their home for use as an underground domestic church in order to avoid problems with their leadership."

The increase in religious practice among Party members is a "phenomenon" that has gone beyond the Party's control. Vice-President Zeng Qinghong has threatened to expel those who do not follow the official religious policy: Members involved in religious activities seem unperturbed however by such threats.

One of the many reasons for the growing trend toward religion, is that with the increased importance of private companies and the decreased value of public enterprises, many people are freer to pursue their faith without having to barter it for job security. Especially, he says, in the south of China, where private economic development is stronger, party members make no secret of their faith.

Source: Asian News

June 2006