China - The government of the People's Republic of China is officially atheist and anyone who is not an atheist cannot become the leader of the party. Religious affairs and issues in the country are overseen by the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA). Freedom of religion is guaranteed by China's constitution, although religious organizations that lack official approval can be subject to state persecution.
Article 36 of the Constitution of People’s Republic of China 1982 states this:
“Citizens of the People’s Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious belief. No state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not to believe in, any religion: nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in any religion. The state protects normal religious activities. No one may make use of religion to engage in activities that disrupt public order, impair the health of citizens or interfere with the educational system of the state. Religious bodies and religious affairs are not subject to any foreign domination.” [Bold added]
The question is, what are normal religious activities and those loopholes in the Article 36 can easily be used as an excuse for the government to act as they did in the case of mosques demolition. Under the guise of protection the public safety, China has destroyed several thousand mosques. Eysajan Yaqup, a police officer in Toqquzaq township said: “Convincing the people that one of the purposes for demolishing the mosques was for the safety of the worshipers was a bit difficult; Some of them laughed at us when we explained the purpose, and some of them stared at us to show their disagreement.” But they have successfully completed their duty within three months, he added.
China officially recognizes only five religions – Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. It estimates that it is home to 23 million Muslims, although some sources claim as many as 50 million Muslims live in the country. Uyghur extremists are blamed for a string of violent attacks and clashes in recent years. But critics say the government has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs, and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for violence that has left hundreds dead since 2009.
In China there are a very high number of restrictions on its people. The Communist government is led by the fact that too much freedom of religion will directly reduce the state control over the people. People in China are free to practice any religion they like but if their religion start posing a threat to the government's holds then authorities will take action.
Photo Credits: Iraqi News
