Advocate argues that Communist Ideology is the Source of China’s Religious Abuse
The MP-led global religious persecution forum shed light on the plight of Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, Uyghurs, and other rights violations around the world.
China, recognized as a major violator of religious rights, has utilized various forms of persecution to uphold its communist ideology and maintain political control, as stated by a rights advocate at a global religious persecution forum in Edmonton, Alberta.
Katherine Leung, a policy adviser at Hong Kong Watch, highlighted the reasons why certain regimes target religious minority groups, stating, “In the case of China, I think it’s rooted in communist ideology. China is officially an atheist state,” during the forum held on March 2.
She added that the regime’s persecution of religion aims to maintain social and political control, ensuring allegiance to Chinese leaders and the CCP rather than to divinities worshiped by the people.
Ms. Leung was part of a panel that emphasized the need for heightened awareness about the persecution faced by various religious groups globally, including Falun Gong, Christianity, and Muslims in China and Pakistan. The panel also included Conservative MP Garnett Genuis and Pakistani-Canadian human rights advocate David Bhatti.
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Christianity in China is subject to state control through denomination-based agencies, such as the Three-Self Patriotic Movement for Protestants, operating under CCP supervision. Similarly, Catholics face state interference through entities like the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, which oversees clergy appointments aligned with the Party’s regulations, according to Ms. Leung.
Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang face severe repression, including mass internment, surveillance, and forced assimilation imposed by Chinese authorities. Additional reported cases of oppression include restrictions on Ramadan fasting, traditional attire, and the coercion of Muslims to consume alcohol or eat pork, as noted by Ms. Leung.
Restoring Canada as a Religious Freedom Champion
Mr. Bhatti highlighted that the forum on global religious persecution coincided with the anniversary of his uncle Shahbaz Bhatti’s assassination 13 years prior on March 2, 2011. Shahbaz Bhatti, the sole Christian in Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani’s Cabinet in Pakistan, was tragically killed for his faith. In 2022, a park in Brampton, Ont., was named in his honor for his advocacy of religious rights.
Mr. Bhatti emphasized that Canada was once a leader in global religious freedom advocacy, but indifference among political leaders over the years has led to a decline in that reputation.
“I believe that as Canadians, restoring our country’s global image as a religious freedom champion begins with understanding the true nature of religious persecution,” he stated.
Mr. Bhatti added, “As Canadians, we have a duty to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, worship freely, stand for their beliefs, or oppose injustices, both globally and within Canada.”
He also highlighted the importance of being vigilant against threats to individual liberties within Canada and challenging leaders to address these issues.
Ping Shan contributed to this report.
