The tensions in China between Tibetans and Beijing have been increasing. Now news that the Communist Chinese are cracking down on religion by party members has Syracuse Buddhists deeply saddened by this state of affairs. It appears most of the party members who may have desired that religion be allowed for them have been interested in Buddhism.
The Tibet Sun has reported "China party official warns members over religion." A top party official said religious practice among Chinese Communist Party members has been increasing and threatens its unity and national leadership. Zhu Weiqun, a member of the party’s Central Committee and executive vice director of its United Front Work Department in charge of dealings with nonparty groups, has said that party members are required to be atheists and must not believe in religion or engage in religious practice.
Zhu has commented that religious practice is a growing trend, especially in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, and must not be tolerated. Zhu has been quoted as saying “Voices have appeared within the party calling for an end to the ban on religion, arguing in favor of the benefits of religion for party members and even claiming the ban on religion for party members is unconstitutional. In fact, our party’s principled stance regarding forbidding members from believing in religion has not changed one iota."
These stern remarks by Zhu for the party's 80 million members have come amidst an increase in tensions between Beijing and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The repressive Communist Chinese ban on religious practice also often applies to all public servants and sometimes students, especially in minority areas such as Tibet.
