When I was a school child, I joined the Red Guards, which later changed its name to the Communist Young Pioneers (CYP). When I was in middle school, I joined the Communist Youth League (CYL). After I began to work, I applied to join the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and was accepted as a preparatory member.
At the time, while deciding if I could become a full member, some Party members pointed out that I was interested in The Book of Changes, Buddhist and Taoist scriptures, and determined that I should overcome these shortcomings. I felt that in joining the CCP I would face too many restrictions, especially on my spiritual belief. So I never again applied to join the CCP; instead I became a Buddhist.
In my work unit, my boss talked with me several times [to encourage me to join the CCP], but when I declared that the Constitution protects citizens' freedom of belief, they gave up. However, they would not allow me to promote religion in the work place.
I clearly felt that the CCP was diminishing the effect of religions and Chinese traditional culture, suppressing them to the lowest level. First they criticized qigong, and then raised objections to traditional Chinese medicine and tried to abolish it. I also felt that common people had no where to turn to for justice when they were wrongfully treated. The CCP doesn't care about the interests and rights of common people. These contradict what I was taught when I was young. I think that the CCP cannot represent the interests of common people.
Today, I only have dim memories of being a member of the CYP and CYL. Still, I would like to quit these communist organizations as I consider faith an important matter. So I hereby solemnly declare that I resolutely quit the CYP and CYL as well as all other affiliated organizations of the CCP.
Tang Jiahui
August 21, 2007
Henan Province, China
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