In China, citizens' religious beliefs are reportedly becoming part of regular checks conducted in state institutions. In one state hospital in Chengdu, staff were required to provide information about their religious views, whether they were permanent, contract, or temporary employees. Employees were asked to specify if they adhered to any religion; even those without religious beliefs were required to provide corresponding data.
According to the report, the hospital termed this procedure a large-scale survey of personnel's religious views. This check was viewed in the context of regular control over ideological, ethnic, and religious issues. Notably, members of the Communist Party also participated in this inspection.
It is reported that party members are allegedly prohibited from following any religion. If an employee declares their religiosity, they are obliged to report it to their party cell.
This alleged surveillance of religious identity is not limited to hospitals. According to an administrative university employee in Sichuan, information about students' and their families' religious backgrounds is being collected in educational institutions. This information, it is claimed, is then sent to higher authorities.
The employee stated that before children enroll in school, there is a regular check of their family background. It is asserted that this check includes information about the family's religious affiliation. Thus, information about religious beliefs apparently extends not only to the individual but also to their family.
The Communist Party's control over religious activities in China was already very strict. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, emphasis has been placed on strengthening the party's oversight of religious matters. As part of China's policy of 'Sinicization of religion,' efforts are being made to align religious organizations and their activities with Chinese political and cultural priorities.
