Compare the following: -
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"Over the past few years, because of poor ideological and
political work, religious activities have gradually spread unchecked. What is noteworthy is that some party members have joined religious activities. This is a serious problem
A communist's fundamental view on the history of the development of mankind is: Labour created mankind and the world
All communists should firmly grasp this Marxist truth concerning mankind's formation and development, use this truth to publicise among the masses and organise them, and launch a struggle for the masses' vital interests The CCP advocates freedom of religious belief. A citizen may profess a religion or no religion. A member of the CCP should carry out the party's policy of freedom of religious belief in an exemplary way. However, this does not mean a CCP member is permitted to profess a religion or join religious activities. From the day a communist takes the oath to be admitted to the party, he should unconditionally accept Marxist education and the party's leadership and accomplish the tasks with which the party entrusts him.
A communist who is religious or who joins religious activities deviates from Marxism-Leninism-Mao Zedong Thought as well as the aim of the party. Some party members who are occasionally joined religious activities should receive help so they can understand and correct their mistakes. We know a very small number of people who, after receiving help, still have refused to correct their mistakes and have joined
religious activities and professed a religion. We will not
permit them to do this.
I do not see how this state of affairs is capable of being squared with the constitutional position as laid down in article 36, other than by the well-established fact that the CCP is above the law. Article 32 of the Basic Law provides that:-
"Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of conscience. Hong
Kong residents shall have freedom of religious belief and freedom to preach and 59 conduct and participate in religious activities in public."
What can this provision be expected to mean? It will be members of the Chinese Communist Party who may at some point have cause to interpret article 32 if a case in court in Hong Kong involves the relationship between the CPG and the SAR. I would hope that religious people elsewhere will bear in mind the position of Hong Kong believers. How tolerant towards believers will the holders of the above-mentioned "Marxist truth" be?