A middle school attended mostly by Tibetan pupils in Yushu, Qinghai, sent to all parents a disturbing letter, confirming CCP’s plans of eradicating religion.
by Lopsang Gurung
In Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, part of historical Tibet but now included in the Chinese province of Qinghai, Tibetan parents are told that they have an “obligation” to teach their children not to believe in religion.
“Bitter Winter” has received a letter sent in September by Yushu City 2nd Ethnic Middle School to all parents of pupils. Its authenticity has been confirmed locally. The school’s pupils are more than 90% Tibetans.
We offer a full translation of the letters, which confirms that the prohibition of involving minors in religious activities in China is aimed at “educating them not to believe in religion.” This prohibition is more strictly enforced against Tibetans and other ethnic minorities.
“Dear Parents,
Minors are the future of the motherland, the hope of the nation, and the main force to realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The legal provisions of adhering to the principle of separation of education and religion is the specific embodiment of the implementation of the Party’s education policy and the need for the healthy growth of minors. Educating minors not to believe in religion is an obligation for both schools and parents.
I. We should oppose any organization or individual trying to guide, support, allow, or condone minors to worship and participate in religious activities. Article 36 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China stipulates: “No one shall use religion to carry out activities that disrupt social order, damage the health of citizens and interfere with the national education system.” It can be seen from the relevant legal provisions of China’s Constitution, the Education Law, the Law on the Protection of Minors, and the Regulations on Religious Affairs that China implements the principle of separation of education and religion, and religion shall not interfere in national education and public education. No organization or individual shall persuade or induce students to believe in religion, let alone engage in any activities that would lead to the presence of believers in schools. No one, especially children under the age of 18, should be submitted to religious education.
II. Preventing minors from believing in religion is a guarantee for children to grow up healthily and achieve a better future. Minors are at a critical stage of physical and mental development, which is an important period for a person to establish a correct world outlook, and her outlook on life and values. They do not have independent thinking ability and independent civil capacity. Some lure and even force minors to believe in religion and participate in religious activities. Minors are very vulnerable to religion and even to illegal religious activities. The influence of extremist thoughts affects their physical and mental health and future.
III. It is the responsibility and obligation of every parent to educate minors not to believe in religion. As parents of a minor, they are the first teacher of their children. They should educate their children in accordance with the requirements of national laws and social development. They should become an example for their children to abide by the law, educate and influence minors with healthy thoughts, good conduct and appropriate methods, and guide minors to carry out activities that are beneficial to their physical and mental health. Both religious and non-religious parents should educate their children not to enter places of religious activities, not to participate in religious activities, not to participate in religious training courses and summer camps.
Dear parents and friends let’s join hands and take proactive action. From now on, we will work together for the minors.
Build the Great Wall to resist and prevent religious infiltration into the school, maintain the harmony and stability of the school, and help it make its due contribution to the long-term stability of the motherland.
Yushu Second Ethnic Middle School
September 4, 2023.”
