Although social circumstances have changed markedly since China implemented its reform and opening-up policy more than three decades ago, the Communist Party of China's stance on its members' belief in Communism has not changed since the Party was founded in 1921.

The Party Central Committee has clearly and repeatedly stated that members are prohibited from believing in religion or participating in religious activities. Those who refuse to adhere to the rules are usually persuaded to withdraw from the Party.

At the National Conference on Publicity and Ideology, held in Beijing on Aug 19 and 20, Party chief Xi Jinping called on CPC members and officials to believe firmly in Marxism and Communism and to apply a down-to-earth approach to their work.