Communist China is officially atheistic. According to recent studies, however, 70% of the population adheres to Chinese folk religion, including forms of Buddhism and Taoism. Around 25% are actually atheists. Christians comprise 2.5% and Muslims 1.6%.
“‘Red Cultural Education’ for Clergy of All Religions in China,” by Hu Zimo, Bitter Winter, November 7, 2024:
The five authorized religions in China are taking very seriously the instructions of submitting their clergy to “patriotic education,” i.e., the national program of indoctrination introduced by a law that came into force on January 1, 2024. Special guidelines on how religions should implement it were issued on January 4.
It seems that a favorite way for the mandatory indoctrination of the clergy is to organize pilgrimages to the red shrines of the Civil War and of the history of the Communist Party. They are organized at times of traditional religious pilgrimages to effectively replace them. It is also believed that the clergy may like the opportunity to do some tourism and would more easily tolerate boring propaganda lectures if they are alternated with banquets and traveling.
As part of the program, a “red cultural tour” for clergy of all provinces and regions was held from October 21 to 27 in Henan Province. The event, organised by the United Front Work Department, saw the participation of 140 religious figures nationwide.
The clergy was submitted to lectures on the “Resolution of the CCP Central Committee on Further Deepening Reforms and Promoting Modernization with Chinese Characteristics,” endorsed at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CCP Central Committee. The Resolution emphasizes “building a socialist cultural power,” noting this is also essential to complete the Sinicization of religion in China.
The seven-day indoctrination tour featured lectures, on-site teaching, and group discussions. The organizers arranged talks on “Understanding Xi Jinping’s thought on culture” and the “Dabie Mountain Spirit,” which refers to a strategically situated Red Army base during the Civil War….
