ABSTRACT
Although religious practice is allowed in China, the government makes it clear that Party members are required to follow the official ideology which includes atheism. For minority cadres, this proved particularly difficult, as religion was seen as a part of their cultural identities. In this article from northwest China, Party members are reminded of their responsibility to serve as models for the area's largely Muslim population. The prefectural party committee called a special meeting to include the education in atheism in the prefecture's general plan for education of party members and the objective control of party improvement, making this education a regular part of ideological and political work. The prefecture has established a party member objective control system at different levels, constantly checked on the ideological condition of party members, and provided immediate education and assistance when any party member is found to have engaged in religious activities.
