From hospitals to schools: China expands scrutiny of religious beliefs in Chengdu
Authorities in Chengdu, China, are conducting mandatory surveys of religious affiliations among public hospital employees and students' families. The initiative is part of a broader ideological investigation that prohibits religious practice for Communist Party members and requires disclosure of faith status.
Why it matters
This reflects an intensifying state effort to monitor and restrict religious expression within public institutions, raising concerns about privacy and freedom of belief.
China has expanded scrutiny of religious affiliation into public workplaces and schools in Chengdu. Employees at a public hospital were ordered to disclose their religious beliefs and education authorities collected information on the religious backgrounds of students and their families, according to The Epoch Times.The report, published on August 14, is based on leaked internal documents and accounts from people familiar with the practices who spoke anonymously, citing concerns about possible reprisals.An internal notice circulated by a public hospital in Chengdu said it was conducting a comprehensive survey of employees' religious beliefs as part of its "regular investigation of ideological, ethnic, and religious work."The notice said the survey was to cover every employee, including permanent staff, contracted workers and temporary workers.Employees were instructed to provide information about their religious affiliation and not conceal or omit relevant details.
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