China's ruling Communist Party has taken a controversial step and has directed nearly nine million members to leave the religion to maintain the unity of the party. The party has warned the members that there is a 'Lakshman Line' for religious cadres and those who violate this directive will be punished.

The head of the top regulatory body of religious affairs in China said that party members should not believe in religion and those who have religious beliefs should be asked to sacrifice it. According to the news from the official media today (Wednesday, July 19th), the experts said that this instruction is to maintain the unity of the party.

Wang Juan, director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, wrote in an article printed in the Kiyushi Journal on Saturday (July 15th), "Party members should not have religious beliefs. This is a lax line for all members. Party members must be strict Marxist atheists. They should follow the rules of the party and have faith in the party. They are not allowed to believe in religion."

The authorities who believe in religion should be persuaded to leave it. Those who oppose this, will be punished by the party organization.

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