Resolutely and persistently preventing illegal proselytization - Part II: Gathering accurate information and responding promptly.
Reporters' Team•October 31, 2024 15:02
Life during the period of reform was vibrant with economic, cultural, and social exchanges. Along with this, many strangers came to villages and hamlets with the aim of illegally proselytizing, luring some families to convert to their new religion with promises of a better and more prosperous life.
Lesson II:
FOCUS ON INFORMATION, RESPOND PROMPTLY
Reporters' TeamOctober 31, 2024
Life during the period of reform was vibrant with economic, cultural, and social exchanges. Along with this, many strangers came to villages and hamlets with the aim of illegally proselytizing, luring some families to convert to their new religion with promises of a better and more prosperous life.
PROMISES FROM THE "STRANGE RELIGION"
For Catholicism and Buddhism, the two major religions in Nghe An, there are many places of worship such as temples and churches, so the teaching of their faith is primarily carried out at these locations, in compliance with the law. However, in some areas, especially in ethnic minority and mountainous regions, religious activities are still being organized in violation of the law, posing potential security and public order issues.
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Based on information gathered by authorities and from the public, it has been observed that those engaging in illegal proselytization have been distributing materials and related items; enticing and luring people to join a "strange religion" with promises such as: "Following the religion will lead to a better life," and liberation from suffering and illness... In Nghe An province, this activity has several characteristics as follows:
Regarding Protestantism (with approximately 437 followers, belonging to 9 different denominations, but without a place of worship or any registered religious group); the "Church of God the Mother" (not recognized by the Vietnamese government as a religion), has about 300 members..The proselytists often talk about the good and virtuous qualities in the Bible... and show more concern for new "believers" than even family members, as if they were a solid spiritual support for those joining. They proclaim that upon joining the organization, they will be protected, blessed, and delivered from suffering and illness by "God the Mother."
In 2021, the Anh Son District Police discovered and dealt with many cases of illegal participation in the Mother God Church activities in the area. (Photo: Archival image)
The Protestant missionaries of the "Church of God the Mother" also promise their followers that their lives will be transformed for the better. They claim that joining the religion will provide lifelong protection from God, that they will not die, and that they will not be affected by world events or the "end times."
The "Church of God the Mother" also claims that its followers will be with God forever, in the "Kingdom of Heaven" - a place of only happiness, free from suffering; free from illness and disease, where God will heal all, including dangerous epidemics like Covid-19 and other serious illnesses...
Regarding "Falun Gong" (which has not been recognized as a religion by the Vietnamese government), there are approximately 31 locations in 18 out of 21 districts, cities, and towns, with 640 people participating in its practice. These individuals exploit the religious needs of naive, gullible, and uninformed people by using the theory of self-cultivation based on "Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance" and claiming that practicing these exercises is good for health and cures diseases, thus attracting people to believe in them.
A group of Falun Gong practitioners are seen practicing health-enhancing exercises in Vinh City. Photo: Nguyen Nguyen
Some individuals even lead people around, promising to cure illnesses for free. They particularly exploit elderly and middle-aged people with health problems, influencing them to participate in health training and healing exercises under the guise of five sets of Qigong.(Buddha's Manifestation of Heavenly Hands Technique; Dharma Wheel Manifestation Technique; Six Methods of Controlling the Six Realms; Dharma Wheel Circulating the Heavenly Realm Technique; Understanding the Family's Inner Teachings Technique).
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Furthermore, these individuals encourage followers of the religion to read scriptures and meditate for healing, without needing medication. They also lure people in by giving away brochures and lotus-shaped keychains in certain areas. These individuals thoroughly exploit personal social media platforms (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) to showcase many positive aspects of life for people, thereby attracting gullible individuals to participate…
Regarding the "Mysterious Sound Dharma Method" (approximately 31 people participated).These individuals propagate a great deal of unscientific and "supernatural" content, such as meditating to sense light and listen to sounds within the body to communicate with God, to cultivate wisdom and escape the suffering of sentient beings; and believing that simply practicing self-cultivation at home can lead to Buddhahood…
Regarding the "Original Energy of Vietnamese Bronze Drums" (with approximately 200 participants)... The individuals also claimed that following the religion could cure serious illnesses. Currently, authorities in Nghe An have successfully persuaded 65 people to abandon the practice of Original Energy.
Regarding the group "Spirituality Related to President Ho Chi Minh" (with approximately 95 participants), this group exploited the people's belief and reverence for President Ho Chi Minh to propagate superstitious beliefs and unscientific healing practices.
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Even more alarmingly, since 2012, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly recommended that the U.S. State Department place Vietnam on its "Special Watch List" regarding religious freedom. This accusation is based on inaccurate information and biased assessments of the religious freedom situation in Vietnam. The organization's 2024 report continues to deliberately present inaccurate assessments of the religious freedom situation in Vietnam.
It must be affirmed that the US policy is to use issues of democracy, human rights, ethnicity, and religion in its "peaceful evolution" strategy to interfere in our country's internal affairs. Therefore, the illegal proselytizing activities, which are fought against by various levels of government and the people of our country, only make these individuals more resentful and seek other ways to approach gullible and trusting individuals who follow these strange religions, leading them to instigate religious and ethnic conflicts, affecting social security and order.
MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AREA, PREVENT IN TIME
Illegal proselytizing activities may initially be difficult to detect, as the perpetrators gather in small groups and exploit opportunities such as visiting relatives or performing rituals to ward off bad luck. However, after a short time, any household with a new convert will certainly show unusual behavior. To monitor this situation, it requires a high level of vigilance from local residents; at the same time, law enforcement agencies must strengthen their monitoring of the area.
At the grassroots level, along with the vigilance of the people, the strengthened regular commune police force will be a solid foundation for cadres and Party members to work closely with the majority of the people to understand the situation and implement appropriate solutions if illegal proselytizing or religious activities are detected. When information about illegal proselytizing in the area is received, the government and relevant authorities need to quickly verify the matter.
Party committees, block management boards, hamlets, villages, and various levels of government in Nghe An province regularly conduct activities to visit and encourage those in difficult circumstances. Photo: Nguyen Nguyen
The handling process needs to be flexible but firm, clearly citing legal regulations to deter those engaging in illegal proselytization. If the nascent stages of illegal proselytization are detected early, persuasive measures should be applied to minimize unfortunate clashes and conflicts.
In mountainous and highland districts, in addition to officials, Party members, social organizations, and regular commune police, there is also reinforcement from border guards. Based on this, functional forces proactively coordinate with authorities at all levels and relevant departments to monitor the activities of those engaging in illegal proselytization.
At the same time, strengthen oral propaganda and widely disseminate information through mass media and social networks about the nature and illegal activities of various religious groups. This process will clearly analyze the schemes of those who exploit religion to commit illegal acts, enabling the public to prevent and deter these individuals from successfully carrying out their illegal proselytization activities, which disrupt social security and order.
