Taiwan’s foreign ministry is condemning new regulations introduced by China that require all members of the clergy to swear loyalty to the Communist Party. That’s the word from ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou on Thursday.
China announced the “Measures for the Administration of Religious Personnel” earlier this month. They include requirements that members of the clergy put socialist principles into practice and work to maintain national unity. Members of religious establishments must also pledge allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party and reform their faith to better fit Chinese culture. The measures will go into force May 1.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry says the new regulations are clear evidence that China is stifling religious freedom. It says religious freedom is a universal value that should not be subject to political interference. The ministry says that Taiwanese people “cherish freedom” and will “spurn” the new measures. It calls on the international community to take note of the worsening state of religious freedom in China. The ministry says it will continue to follow developments closely.