Article 68 of the 1980 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam states that “citizens enjoy freedom of worship and may practice or not practice a religion,” and also “no religion may be used to violate state laws or policies.”
Vietnam is one of the few countries remaining that is governed by the Communist Party. The official ideology of the country is materialistic and atheistic. top government officials are non-religious. The country is seeking economic development and trade with the West, and has been pursuing normalization of relations with the United States. Human rights issues in general and religious freedom in particular have been an issue of discussion in Vietnam’s transition to the post-Cold War era. Vietnamese government decrees and declarations aver that they are committed to religious freedom for their citizens. Yet at the same time the Party fears the growth of religion as a threat to their power. Therefore while the Constitution and government statements proclaim religious freedom, in practice the government restricts religious practice. Relations between he government and various religious communities have been continually developing in an attempt to satisfy demands for religious freedom while at the same time keeping religious activities within government approved parameters.
The government recognizes some Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai and Muslim religious organizations. Non-recognized organizations or groups including Protestant house churches are considered illegal and may be harassed by the government. The government requires all Buddhist monks to work under a government controlled Buddhist organization and has actively resisted efforts the United Buddhists of Vietnam to operate independently.
The government approves three Christian denominations: the Catholic Church, Christian Missionary Alliance and the Southern Evangelical Church of Vietnam (approved in 2001). Several other Protestant denominations such as the Seventh Day Adventists and Baptists have been negotiating for recognition.
While the government has stated that it views the Catholic Church as a positive force in the society, there has been tension between the government and the Catholic Church hierarchy. It is estimated that the Catholic population of Vietnam is about 6-10 million people and growing. The government insists that all clergy belong to the Catholic Patriotic association which is controlled by the government. It also insists on approving all Vatican appointments. The government allows priests and bishops to travel within their diocese but restricts travel outside that area. They limit the church to 6 major seminaries throughout the country with a total of 700 students. The seminaries may recruit new students every two years, but the government retains the power to approve all students before they may enter. After attending one of the seminaries, students must again be approved by the government before ether can be ordained as priests. The power to approve students for study and ordination lies with the People’s Committee where the student lives. Under such circumstances the Catholic Church has been unable to train enough clergy to minister to their growing number of adherents.
People's religious affiliation is indicated on national identity cards and in "family books" but may not be accurate as some people do not record their religious persuasion and some do not bother to change their listing in case they change their religion.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Vietnam
Human Rights Watch slams Vietnam over "repression" of Montagnards WorldWide Religious News 4/14/04
Pain drugs given to Vietnamese WorldWide Religious News 3/16/04
Religion in Vietnam WorldWide Religious News 2/27/04
Search Amazon.com for books on religious freedom in Vietnam