China’s communist government unleashed a surprising string of new guidelines this week; calling for the purge of those who “cling to religion” and “political rumors” from the ruling party and regime.

“The updated discipline rules, released late on Sunday by the graft watchdog the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection but in effect from Aug. 18, put into written form many orders that are in practice already in effect,” writes Reuters.

“China’s ruling Communist Party has issued a revised set of regulations governing members’ behavior, threatening punishment for spreading political rumors and recommending those who cling to religious beliefs be asked to leave the party,” adds the author.

The move comes just weeks after President Xi Jinping cracked-down on religious imagery across the country; removing iconic artwork from “western religions” and replacing them with “party propaganda.”

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