ABSTRACT
In some areas, cadres forbid youths under eighteen to practice religion. With the publication of the Law on Regional Autonomy for National Minorities on June 4 it was clear that the moderate religion policy remained in place. Article 11 of that law states: Autonomous organs in the areas of national autonomy should protect the freedom of the citizens of various nationalities for religious belief. During the winter of 1983–1984, at the height of the campaign against spiritual pollution, there were fears that the religious freedom policy was in jeopardy. An article in Red Flag complained that spiritually polluted people, “at a loss and not knowing what to do, even seek consolation from religion.” The media, while focusing on superstition often blurred the distinction between it and religion. “A handful of criminals have taken advantage of some people’s ignorance and weakness of believing in gods and ghosts,” complained Henan radio.
