Growth in religious activity prompts promotion of communism, atheism

The central government has ordered state media to step up efforts to promote 'orthodox' communism. It is the latest attempt to control a growth in religious activity the government considers both rapid and worrying.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television recently issued a directive urging all state television and radio broadcasters to produce programmes that promote atheism, and to denounce 'deviant beliefs', such as those held by the banned Falun Gong sect.

Special programmes on the principles and practise of Marxism, Leninism and Maoism - as well as Deng Xiaoping's theories and the Theory of the Three Represents - should be aired to educate the masses, it said, adding that presentations should be lively and colourful so as not to bore viewers.

Scientific knowledge and thinking should be promoted, particularly among the young, it said.

'A social environment should be fostered to respect science and civilisation,' the official notice said. Condemnation and criticism of the outlawed Falun Gong, banned in 1999 by the government as an evil cult, should be intensified. The government accuses the spiritual sect of preaching dangerous messages, such as encouraging its followers to harm themselves - an accusation disputed by followers.

'Atheism should be promoted by using Falun Gong as a negative example,' the notice said.