(Weifang, Shandong—Jan. 10, 2020) The Weifang City Anti-Evil Religious Association Office has granted 10 subdistricts and 12 villages within the city the honorary titles of “Role Model Towns/ Communities of Science, Care, and Harmony” for their efforts in cracking down on religions.
In a notice obtained by ChinaAid, the Weifang municipal government applauds the work of the subdistricts and villages in preventing and resisting evil religions. It encourages the areas to continue “the fight against evil religious organizations, and make a critical contribution to building a modern, high-quality, ecological, open, vibrant, and delicate city.”
The Weifang government equates the persecution of religions as a means to promoting justice and eliminating evil. It alleges that these areas serve as role models for the entire city on how to restrict religions.
The announcement aligns with the growing rates of religious persecution in China since the revised Regulations on Religious Affairs went into effect on Feb. 1, 2018. The Chinese Communist Party has been targeting people of conscience under the process of “Sinicizing” religion, or forcing faiths to align with the ideals of the Communist Party. Since the Chinese government wrongly believes religions are an attempt by foreign powers to infiltrate China, they often restrict religious practice and expression.
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