Religion: Religious Expression Laws

Constitution of the People's Republic of China (1982)

The Chinese Constitution guarantees freedom of religious belief but also states that religious activities must not disrupt public order, harm social stability, or interfere with the educational system.

Regulations on Religious Affairs (2018)

These regulations provide a comprehensive framework for the management and control of religious activities in China. They require religious groups to register with the government, obtain permits for religious venues, and follow government-approved religious practices. The regulations also prohibit religious activities outside of approved venues and regulate foreign religious exchanges.

Five Recognized Religions

The Chinese government officially recognizes five religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. These religions have government-sanctioned religious organizations and places of worship. Other religious groups, such as Falun Gong, are considered illegal and subject to persecution.

State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA)

SARA is the government agency responsible for overseeing religious affairs in China. It monitors religious activities, approves the ordination of religious personnel, and regulates religious publications and materials.

Restrictions on Religious Practices

The Chinese government imposes strict regulations on religious practices. These include limitations on public gatherings, religious education, proselytizing, and the distribution of religious materials. Certain religious practices, such as fasting during Ramadan for Muslims or observing religious rituals in public, may face restrictions.

State Ownership of Religious Property

Religious properties, including temples, mosques, and churches, are typically owned and controlled by the state or government-approved religious organizations. This allows the government to exert control over religious activities and organizations.

Persecution and Surveillance

China has been criticized for its persecution of religious and spiritual groups that are considered "unauthorized" or "illegal," such as Falun Gong practitioners and some underground Christian churches. Surveillance measures, including monitoring religious activities and the use of facial recognition technology in religious venues, have been implemented.

Regulations on Religious Activities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (2017)

This set of regulations specifically targets the Uyghur Muslim population in the Xinjiang region. It imposes stricter control on religious activities, including prohibiting the wearing of veils and "abnormal" beards, as well as restrictions on fasting during Ramadan.

Patriotic Education Campaigns

The Chinese government promotes "patriotic education" campaigns within religious institutions, particularly in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan areas. These campaigns aim to promote loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and discourage "separatist" activities.

Religious Organizations Registration

Religious groups are required to register with the government and operate under government-approved religious organizations. This process involves providing detailed information about the group's beliefs, practices, and leadership. Unregistered religious groups may face suppression or persecution.

Internet Control and Surveillance

The Chinese government exercises strict control over religious content and activities on the internet. Websites, social media platforms, and online forums are monitored and censored for any religious content deemed sensitive or undesirable by the government.

Foreign Missionary Activities

Foreign missionaries face significant restrictions and regulations in China. They must obtain government approval and work under registered religious organizations. Engaging in unauthorized missionary activities or proselytizing without permission can lead to expulsion or legal consequences.

Control of Religious Literature

The distribution and publication of religious materials are tightly regulated. Religious texts, including Bibles and Quran, must be published by government-approved publishing houses and distributed through authorized channels.

Repression of Spiritual Movements

Apart from recognized religions, spiritual movements and groups perceived as challenging the Communist Party's control, such as Falun Gong, face severe repression. Members of these groups are subject to surveillance, arbitrary detention, and forced labor.

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