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Vietnam has 16 religions, nearly 28 million followers.

Ha Anh DNUM_ABZAIZCACF 16:22

Religion in Vietnam is not only a cultural element, reflecting spiritual needs but is truly an important resource contributing to the country's development.

August 2, 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the tradition of the State Management of Religion. To date, the country has a diverse and vibrant religious life with more than 95% of the population following a religion. 43 organizations belonging to 16 religions have been recognized and granted certificates of registration of operation with over 27.7 million followers.

Throughout history, people of all religions have always been united, attached, and actively contributed to building and protecting the Fatherland. Throughout its development journey, Vietnam has achieved remarkable achievements in ensuring freedom of belief and religion.

thủ tướng phạm minh chính
The Prime Minister and dignitaries at the Prime Minister's conference commending religious organizations for their contributions to the cause of national construction and defense (August 2022). Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

1945-1955

September 3, 1945, just one day after readingDeclaration of IndependenceAt Ba Dinh Square, at the first meeting of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh raised six urgent issues, including the sixth issue:“Colonialists and feudalists implemented a policy of dividing Catholics and non-Catholics to make it easier to dominate. I propose that our Government declarefreedom of religion and unity of religions".The 1946 Constitution recognized for the first time citizens' right to freedom of belief.

Many bishops, priests, and lay people took on important responsibilities of the early people's government, such as Bishops Le Huu Tu and Ho Ngoc Can, who were Government advisors; Mr. Nguyen Manh Ha, who held the position of Minister of Economy; Mr. Vu Dinh Tung, Director of the Northern Health Department; Minister of War Invalids and Veterans in the Government; and especially Priest Pham Ba Truc, who was elected as Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the First National Assembly.

(According to Characters - Events VNA)

Immediately after the founding of the country, many religious dignitaries were invited by President Ho Chi Minh to be advisors to the Government.

The success of the August Revolution continued to fan the flames of patriotism among people of all religions.

Some bishops as early as 1945 sent letters to the Holy See and the Community.CatholicThe world supported President Ho Chi Minh's Government. Responding to the "Golden Week" appeal, bishops and businessmen donated money and gold to help the revolution. When the French colonialists returned to invade, many other priests temporarily stopped their religious activities to go to the resistance zone to directly participate in the resistance...

Author Nguyen Van Thanh wrote onCommunist Magazine: “Many Catholic churches, Buddhist pagodas, Cao Dai temples... became places to hide cadres and soldiers; many dignitaries and parishioners sacrificed themselves for the survival of the nation.”

During the resistance war against the French, many monks, nuns and Buddhists participated in revolutionary activities, upholding the spirit of fearlessness.Buddhism; many monks "took off their cassocks and put on their battle armor" to join the army marching south; many monks and Buddhist followers participated in the movement: to eradicate hunger and illiteracy, "the pagoda is the school, the monks are the teachers".

Among the cadres and revolutionary soldiers from the South who gathered in the North, there were a number of Southern resistance priests. The first National Catholic Conference took place from March 8 to 11, 1955 in Hanoi, gathering 191 official delegates and 150 lay observers. The conference established the Liaison Committee of Catholics who love the Fatherland and peace.

According to the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee

Also during this time, nearly 1 million Catholics from the North migrated to the South.

After 1954, the American colonialists and the Ngo Dinh Diem government suppressed the struggle of the people of the South, including religious dignitaries and followers.

The movement to fight for peace, democracy, and people's livelihood spread, attracting millions of people, including Buddhists, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao Buddhists, Catholics, and ethnic minorities...

August 2, 1955, Prime Minister issuedDecree No. 566-TTgEstablishment of the Religious Committee, a unit in the Government Internal Affairs Committee and directly under the Prime Minister's Office - the predecessor of today's Government Religious Committee; at the same time, establishing a system of Religious Committees directly under the Regional Administrative Committees and Provincial Administrative Committees, which is also the predecessor of the State Management system of religion.

1955-1975

During the years of the country's resistance war against the US and the construction of socialism, the Religious Affairs Committee advised the Party and the State to develop and promulgate policies and documents related to religion and religious work; coordinated with central agencies to monitor, guide and urge localities to implement policies, and liaise with religious organizations. The Anti-Migration Campaign Committee was established, and a number of religious organizations in the North established church organizations such as: the General Assembly of the Vietnam Evangelical Church (1955); the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics who love the Fatherland and peace; the Cao Dai Unification Campaign Committee; the Unified Buddhist Association of Vietnam (1958)...

BHo voi ton giao.jpg
CPresident Ho Chi Minh had a friendly talk with religious delegates in the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1960 (National Archives Center III, Photo Documents of the period (1954 - 1985) (LIV), SLT 1474). Chinhphu.vn

According to Dr. Bui Huu Duoc, former Director of the Department of Buddhism - Government Committee for Religious Affairs (before 2025), during the resistance war against the US, to save the country, with the spirit of "protecting the nation - bringing peace to the people", Southern Buddhism bravely took to the streets to fight against the oppression of the US-Diem regime; many pagodas became places for exchanging secret information; a place to open the door for young people to both study and practice patriotic Buddhism and avoid being drafted and drafted into the army. Many monks, nuns, and Buddhists "committed themselves" to the revolution, becoming soldiers, liaison officers, enemy soldiers, etc.

In particular, the example ofVenerable Thich Quang DucHis self-immolation to protest the suppression of Buddhism, to protest the war, to demand religious freedom and national independence, shook the South, created a worldwide wave of protest against the invading American imperialists, and to support the Vietnamese cause.

On the morning of June 11, 1963, Venerable Thich Quang Duc burned himself at the intersection of Le Van Duyet and Phan Dinh Phung streets (now Nguyen Dinh Chieu - Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ho Chi Minh City) to protest the suppression of Buddhism by the Republic of Vietnam government. Photo: Malcolm W. Browne. Next photo: From May 6-10, 2025, at Viet Nam Quoc Tu (Ho Chi Minh City), for the first time, people were able to worship the heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc. Photo: Nguyen Hue

A report by the National Catholic Liaison Committee said that during the years of fighting against America,More than 60,000 young Catholics have joined the army.. Many families have 2 to 5 children who are soldiers. If we include the youth volunteers on the front lines, in many places, 50 to 70% of Catholic families have children fighting on the front lines. Many militia units in religious areas are Quyết Thắng units, Heroic units such as the Ba Lang militia units (Thanh Hoa), Van Ly (Bui Chu), Thuong Kiem (Phat Diem).

1975-1985

After 1975, the country was unified, the Religious Affairs Committee continued to operate, advising the Government on implementing unified religious policies nationwide, typically Decree 297/CP. Despite facing many challenges during the subsidy period, the apparatus was still maintained and strengthened.

In 1980,Joint Letter of May of the Vietnamese Bishops' Council with the directionLiving the gospel among the peopleopened a new era for the organization and patriotic movement of Vietnamese Catholics. The first National Congress of Vietnamese Catholics to build and protect the Fatherland and protect peace took place in 1983.

In 1981,The first National Buddhist Congress held on November 7 unified 9 Buddhist sects into the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, with the following directions of operation:Religion – Nation – Socialism.

March 27, 1985, The Council of Ministers issued Decree No. 85-HDBTEstablishment of the Government Committee on Religious Affairs, marking an important step forward in religious work.

1986 to present

The Doi Moi process since 1986 has brought a new wind, more openness in views and policies towards religion. The Party and State have focused on perfecting the legal system and organizational structure.

In 1990,The Politburo issued Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW on strengthening religious work in the new situation, with three breakthrough directional points:

*Belief and religion are the needs of a part of the people.

*Religion is a long-standing issue

*Religious ethics have many things that are suitable for the work of building a new society.

Every year, August 2 is taken as "Traditional Day of State Management of Religion"

Decision No. 445/QD-TTg dated May 27, 2005

2003, the agency was officially renamed the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, affirming its government-level status.

In 2007,The Government Committee for Religious Affairs was transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, helping to strengthen unity in the management of internal affairs and administration.

Since 1990, the renovation policy has shown clear signs. Religious life has seen very important improvements; religious followers and dignitaries have recovered and grown; places of worship and schools for training dignitaries have increased; large-scale festivals of religious organizations have hundreds of thousands of participants; international relations of religious organizations have expanded; scriptures and religious supplies have been guaranteed...

Growing to over 10 million followers in 20 years

20032023
Believer17.4 million27.7 million
Religion616
Organization recognized or granted registration for religious activities1643
dignitary34,200More than 54,500
Job titleNearly 79,000Nearly 145,000
Place of worshipMore than 20,90029,890

Source: White Paper "Religion and Religious Policy in Vietnam" 2023

Constitution 2013was adopted on November 28, 2013 and took effect from January 1, 2014, is an important step forward in defining the right to freedom of belief and religion. The 2013 Constitution promotes the value of human rights and civil rights.

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of belief and religion, to follow or not to follow any religion. All religions are equal before the law. 2. The State respects and protects the right to freedom of belief and religion. 3. No one may violate the freedom of belief and religion or take advantage of belief and religion to violate the law. Article 24, Chapter II: Human rights, basic rights and obligations of citizens

November 18, 2016The Law on Belief and Religion was passed by the National Assembly and took effect from January 1, 2018, marking an important milestone in the process of perfecting the law on belief and religion in Vietnam.

2018The Government Committee for Religious Affairs was assigned additional state management functions in the field of beliefs.

From 1/3/2025The Government Committee for Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions is a strategic step to integrate the management of ethnic and religious affairs, creating a unified, specialized focal agency, aiming for greater efficiency in national governance.

During the development process, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs plays an important role in religious activities: Providing strategic advice on policies and laws; Implementing and supervising the implementation of policies and laws; Bridging the gap between the State and religious organizations; Promoting cultural values, ethics and resources of religion; Ensuring security, order and social stability.

A particularly important content in the implementation of religious policy in Vietnam since the renovation until now is therecognition of religious organizationsIn 2004, the country had 16 religious organizations recognized by the State belonging to 6 religions. By the end of 2023, the State had recognized and granted certificates of registration of operation to 43 religious organizations belonging to 16 religions.

From a few training facilities for clergy, up to now, religions in Vietnam have 66 training facilities for clergy with about 10,000 students studying. This is an activity that creates a new look for religious development in Vietnam during the renovation period.

Religious organizations in Vietnam all build and maintain a path of religious practice that is closely connected to and accompanies the nation, such as:Catholicwith“Living the Gospel among the people to serve the happiness of our compatriots”;Buddhismwith ""Religion - Nation - Socialism"; organizationsGood Newswith“Living the Gospel, Serving God, Serving the Fatherland and the People”; sectsCao Daiwith"Glory to the country, enlightenment to the religion";Hoa Hao Buddhismwith "For the Dharma, for the Nation”;Pure Land Buddhist Lay Association of Vietnamwith "Study, do good, benefit the country and people”;Islamwith"The reason to live a good life is to have a good religion and a beautiful life."”;Buddhism Four Graces and Righteousnesswith "Practicing the Four Graces - Living a filial life - For the great unity of the nation"

Religions in Vietnam contribute to preserving, nurturing and enriching traditional cultural values, bringing humanistic and ethical values, and having a positive influence on social life. The good and charitable values ​​of religions are concretized into practical actions. Religion in Vietnam is not only a cultural element, reflecting spiritual needs but is truly an important resource contributing to the development of the country.

Party Central Committee Secretary and Head of the Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission Le Hoai Trung met with Pope Francis in January 2024 (left photo). Minister Dao Ngoc Dung received religious dignitaries from across the country who came to congratulate him on the announcement of the National Assembly's Resolution on the establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions on March 1, 2025 (right photo). Photo: VNA/Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions

Religious people actively participate in socio-economic development

*About300 kindergartens, 2000 preschool education facilities, 12 vocational training facilitiesbelonging to religious organizations (1 college, 1 secondary school, 10 vocational education centers); many charity classes, schools, kindergartens... established by religious organizations.
*Above500 medical facilities and charity clinicsestablished by religious organizations.
*125 social assistance facilitiesBelonging to licensed religious organizations, they are caring for and nurturing over 11,800 social protection beneficiaries.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, religious organizations actively mobilized dignitaries, officials, monks and followers to participate in epidemic prevention and control; contributed resources (with thousands of volunteers supporting frontline forces against the epidemic and goods, necessities, and medical equipment); joined hands with authorities at all levels with many good models, creative, practical and effective ways of doing things.
Source: Government Committee for Religious Affairs - Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions

Some pictures of religious activities in Vietnam:

From 1 to 13: 1. Bishop Peter Nguyen Van Kham - General Secretary of the Vietnam Bishops' Council speaks at the conference to honor religious organizations in 2022. 2. The 2025 United Nations Vesak Festival closes. 3. The 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. 4. The Great Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton at the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh. 5. Praying during the month of Ramadan. 6. The 4th Congress of Hoa Hao Buddhist followers, term 2019-2024. 7. Kate Festival of Cham people following Brahmanism in Ninh Thuan. 8. The 3rd Congress of Minh Su Dao delegates, term 2018-2023. 9. The Tu An Hieu Nghia Buddhist Association's representative board launches the 3rd congress (2020-2025). 10. Phuoc Thien traditional medicine clinic at Minh Hung Tu Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City. 11. Congress of Hieu Nghia Buddhist Delegates of Ta Lon 2022-2027. 12. Followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of Vietnam. 13. Religious activities at R'Chai Seventh-day Adventist Church (Lam Dong).
Photo source: Government Committee for Religious Affairs/White Book on Religion 2023-Religion Publishing House/Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee/Can Tho Newspaper

5 achievements in religious work

Synchronous and transparent legal systemFrom the Constitution to the Law, Ordinances, Decrees and Circulars, the legal system on beliefs and religions is increasingly perfected, creating a solid legal basis for the implementation of freedom of belief and religion.
Diverse and vibrant religious life: 95% of Vietnam's population has a religious life, with 16 recognized religions, 43 religious organizations granted registration of operations and recognized legal status (as of mid-2025).
Respect and ensure all legitimate rights, allowing religions to operate freely within the framework of the law.: Development in quantity and activities; Worship and training facilities are restored, renovated, and newly built; Religious publications and documents are licensed and widely circulated; Diverse social activities; Organizing large-scale events and festivals.
Strengthening national unity: Religions coexist equally and harmoniously in a multicultural, multi-religious environment.
International cooperation and integration:Vietnam proactively participates in international forums on religion, enhances bilateral and multilateral dialogues, shares experiences and provides transparent information on the religious situation in the country, and rejects distorted and incorrect allegations about religious freedom in Vietnam.

According to the Electronic Information Portal of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions

Synchronous and transparent legal systemFrom the Constitution to the Law, Ordinances, Decrees and Circulars, the legal system on beliefs and religions is increasingly perfected, creating a solid legal basis for the implementation of freedom of belief and religion.
Diverse and vibrant religious life: 95% of Vietnam's population has a religious life, with 16 recognized religions, 43 religious organizations granted registration of operations and recognized legal status (as of mid-2025).
Respect and ensure all legitimate rights, allowing religions to operate freely within the framework of the law.: Development in quantity and activities; Worship and training facilities are restored, renovated, and newly built; Religious publications and documents are licensed and widely circulated; Diverse social activities; Organizing large-scale events and festivals.
Strengthening national unity: Religions coexist equally and harmoniously in a multicultural, multi-religious environment.
International cooperation and integration:Vietnam proactively participates in international forums on religion, enhances bilateral and multilateral dialogues, shares experiences and provides transparent information on the religious situation in the country, and rejects distorted and incorrect allegations about religious freedom in Vietnam.

According to the Electronic Information Portal of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions

chu tich 2953.jpg
On the afternoon of June 13, 2024, at the Presidential Palace, President To Lam met with a delegation of leaders and dignitaries of religious organizations to commend, honor and encourage leaders and dignitaries, promote the tradition of "serving religion, loving the country", and the spirit of great national unity. The President expressed his belief that religious organizations, dignitaries and religious and religious people will further promote the values ​​of religious ethics, continue to accompany the nation, and actively contribute to the cause of building and defending the socialist Fatherland. Photo: VNA

16 religions, nearly 28 million followers

ReligionYear 20082023
1Buddhism
Believer10 million>14 million
Place of worship16,98418,544
2Catholic
Believer6.15 million>7 million
Place of worship>70007771
3Protestantism
Believer>880 thousand>1.2 million
Place of worship340nearly 900
4Caodaism
Believer>1 million> 1.2 million
Place of worship1,290>1,300
5Hoa Hao Buddhism
Believer>1.2 million>1.5 million
Place of worship3950
6Islam
Believer>72,000>80,000
Place of worship7989
7Baha'i religion
Believer7,000>7,000
Place of worship2
8Pure Land Buddhist Lay Association of Vietnam
Believer>500,000>600,000
Place of worship206212
9Seventh-day Adventist
Believer>16,000>18,000
Place of worship>70>74
10Buddhism Four Graces and Righteousness
Believer>70,00078,000
Place of worship>7074
11The Way of the Master
Believer>5000
Place of worship12
12Minh Ly Dao - Tam Tong Temple
Believer650
Place of worship4
13Brahmanism
Believer>66,000
Place of worship42
14The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Believer>2,300
Place of worship
15Dao Buu Son Ky Huong
Believer>10,000>10,000
Place of worship88
16Ta Lon Buddhism of Filial Piety
Believer>6,500
Place of worship8

ReligionYear 20082023
1Buddhism
Believer10 million>14 million
Place of worship16,98418,544
2Catholic
Believer6.15 million>7 million
Place of worship>70007771
3Protestantism
Believer>880 thousand>1.2 million
Place of worship340nearly 900
4Caodaism
Believer>1 million> 1.2 million
Place of worship1,290>1,300
5Hoa Hao Buddhism
Believer>1.2 million>1.5 million
Place of worship3950
6Islam
Believer>72,000>80,000
Place of worship7989
7Baha'i religion
Believer7,000>7,000
Place of worship2
8Pure Land Buddhist Lay Association of Vietnam
Believer>500,000>600,000
Place of worship206212
9Seventh-day Adventist
Believer>16,000>18,000
Place of worship>70>74
10Buddhism Four Graces and Righteousness
Believer>70,00078,000
Place of worship>7074
11The Way of the Master
Believer>5000
Place of worship12
12Minh Ly Dao - Tam Tong Temple
Believer650
Place of worship4
13Brahmanism
Believer>66,000
Place of worship42
14The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Believer>2,300
Place of worship
15Dao Buu Son Ky Huong
Believer>10,000>10,000
Place of worship88
16Ta Lon Buddhism of Filial Piety
Believer>6,500
Place of worship8

Source: White Paper "Religion and Religious Policy in Vietnam" 2023

According to vietnamnet.vn
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Vietnam has 16 religions, nearly 28 million followers.
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