Chinese government cracks down on non-sanctioned religions

China's Communist Party has asked its approximately 90 million members to quit their religion and be what they call "firm Marxist atheists" - or face punishment.

Worshippers in China attend a Christian house church service (SBS)

The head of the government's religion office, Wang Zuo'an [wung zoo-aw-AHN], says foreign forces have used religion to infiltrate China.

 

It follows a boom in followers to Christianity, many of whom worship in illegal 'house' churches to evade authorities.