August 2nd, 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Government's Religious Affairs Committee and the tradition of state management of religious affairs. To date, the country enjoys a diverse and vibrant religious life, with over 95% of the population adhering to a religion or belief. 43 organizations belonging to 16 religions have been recognized and granted registration certificates, with over 27.7 million followers.

Throughout history, people of all religions have always been united and closely connected, making positive contributions to building and protecting the Fatherland. Throughout its development, Vietnam has achieved significant accomplishments in ensuring the right to freedom of belief and religion.

1945-1955

September 3, 1945, just one day after readingDeclaration of IndependenceAt Ba Dinh Square, during the first meeting of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh raised six urgent issues, including the sixth one:"Colonialists and feudalists implemented a policy of dividing Catholics and non-Catholics to facilitate their rule. I propose that our Government declare...""Freedom of religion and unity between religions".The 1946 Constitution was the first to recognize the right to freedom of religion for citizens.

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

(According to People - Events, VNA)

Immediately after the founding of the nation, many religious leaders were invited by President Ho Chi Minh to serve as advisors to the Government.

The success of the August Revolution further ignited the flame of patriotism among people of all religions.

Some bishops sent letters to the Holy See and the Catholic community as early as 1945.CatholicThe world supported the government of President Ho Chi Minh. Responding to the call during the "Golden Week," bishops and businessmen donated money and gold to help the revolution. When the French colonialists returned to invade, many other priests temporarily suspended their religious duties to go to the resistance zones and directly participate in the resistance...

Author Nguyen Van Thanh wrote onCommunist Magazine"Many Catholic churches, Buddhist temples, and Cao Dai shrines became places to hide cadres and soldiers; not a few religious leaders and parishioners selflessly sacrificed themselves for the survival of the nation."

During the resistance war against the French, many monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers participated in revolutionary activities, upholding the spirit of fearlessness.BuddhismMany monks "took off their robes and donned military uniforms" to join the southward marching armies; a large number of monks and Buddhist followers participated in the movement to eradicate hunger and illiteracy, with the motto "temples are schools, monks are teachers".

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Among the revolutionary cadres and soldiers from the South who relocated to the North, there were a number of Southern resistance priests. The first National Catholic Conference, held from March 8 to 11, 1955 in Hanoi, brought together 191 official delegates and 150 lay Catholics as observers. The conference established the Liaison Committee of Catholics Who Love the Fatherland and Peace.

According to the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee

During this same period, nearly 1 million Catholics from North Vietnam migrated to the South.

After 1954, the American colonialists and the Ngo Dinh Diem regime suppressed the struggle of the people in the South, including religious leaders and followers.

The movement for peace, democracy, and people's livelihoods spread, attracting millions of people, including followers of Buddhism, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao Buddhism, Catholicism, and ethnic minorities...

August 2, 1955, issued by the Prime MinisterDecree No. 566-TTgEstablish the Religious Affairs Committee, a unit within the Government's Internal Affairs Committee and directly under the Prime Minister's Office - the predecessor of today's Government Religious Affairs Committee; simultaneously establishing a system of Religious Affairs Committees under the Regional Administrative Committees and Provincial Administrative Committees, which is also the predecessor of the state management system for religion.

1955-1975

During the years of the country's resistance war against the US and the building of socialism, the Religious Affairs Committee advised the Party and State on the development and promulgation of policies and documents related to religion and religious affairs; 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 several religious organizations in the North formed church organizations such as: the General Assembly of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (1955); the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics Who Love the Fatherland and Peace; the Cao Dai Unification Campaign Committee; and the Unified Buddhist Association of Vietnam (1958)...

According to Dr. Bui Huu Duoc, former Director of the Buddhist Affairs Department - Government Religious Affairs Committee (before 2025), during the resistance war against the US, with the spirit of "protecting the nation and ensuring the people's peace," Southern Vietnamese Buddhists bravely took to the streets to fight against the oppressive yoke of the US-Diem regime; many temples became secret information exchange points; and places that opened doors for young people to both study patriotic Buddhist teachings and avoid conscription. Many monks, nuns, and Buddhists "dedicated themselves" to the revolution, becoming soldiers, messengers, and cadres involved in enemy troop mobilization...

In particular, the example ofVenerable Thich Quang DucSelf-immolation in protest against the suppression of Buddhism, against the war, and demanding religious freedom and national independence shook South Vietnam, creating a widespread wave around the world protesting against American imperialist aggression and supporting the just cause of Vietnam.

A report by the National Catholic Liaison Committee stated that, during the years of the war against America,Over 60,000 Catholic youths have enlisted in the military.Many families had 2 to 5 children serving in the army. If we include the volunteer youth on the front lines, in many areas, 50 to 70% of Catholic families had children fighting on the front lines. Many militia units in Catholic areas were awarded the "Victory" or "Heroic" title, such as the Ba Làng militia unit (Thanh Hoá), Văn Lý (Bùi Chu), and Thương Kiệm (Phát Diệm).

1975-1985

After 1975, following the reunification of the country, the Religious Affairs Committee continued its work, advising the Government on the implementation of unified religious policies nationwide, notably Decree 297/CP. Despite facing many challenges during the centrally planned economy period, the system was maintained and strengthened.

In 1980,The May Pastoral Letter of the Vietnamese Bishops' Conference outlines the direction.Living the Gospel in the heart of the nation.This ushered in a new era for the patriotic organization and movement of Vietnamese Catholics. The first National Congress of Vietnamese Catholics for Building and Defending the Fatherland and Protecting Peace took place in 1983.

In 1981,The first National Buddhist Congress, held on November 7th, unified nine Buddhist sects into the Vietnam Buddhist Association, with the following operational guidelines:Buddhism – Nation – Socialism.

March 27, 1985The Council of Ministers issued Decree No. 85-HĐBT.Establish the Government's Religious Affairs Committee.This marks a significant step forward in religious affairs.

1986 to present

The Doi Moi (Renovation) process since 1986 has brought a new, more open perspective 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 affairs in the new situation, with three points of breakthrough orientation:

Beliefs and religions are a need of a segment of the population.

*Religion is a long-standing issue.

*Religious ethics contain many aspects that are compatible with the construction of a new society.

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Every year, August 2nd is designated as the "Traditional Day of the State Management Sector on Religion".

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

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

In 2007,The Government's Religious Affairs Committee has been transferred to the direct control of the Ministry of Interior, helping to strengthen the uniformity in managing internal affairs and administrative matters.

Since 1990, the reform policy has manifested itself clearly. Religious life has seen significant improvements; the number of religious followers and clergy has recovered and grown; places of worship and training schools for religious leaders have increased; large-scale festivals of religious organizations attract hundreds of thousands of participants; international relations of religious organizations have expanded; religious texts and supplies are ensured…

Gained over 10 million followers in 20 years.

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

Constitution of 2013Adopted on November 28, 2013, and effective from January 1, 2014, the 2013 Constitution is a significant step forward in realizing the right to freedom of belief and religion. The 2013 Constitution upholds the value of human rights and citizens' rights.

November 18, 2016The Law on Beliefs and Religions, passed by the National Assembly and effective from January 1, 2018, marks an important milestone in the process of perfecting Vietnam's legal framework on beliefs and religions.

2018The Government's Religious Affairs Committee has been assigned additional functions of state management in the field of religious beliefs.

From March 1, 2025The establishment of the Government Religious Affairs Committee 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 aimed at achieving greater efficiency in national governance.

Throughout its development, the Government's Committee on Religious Affairs has played a crucial role in religious activities: providing strategic advice on policies and laws; implementing and monitoring the execution of policies and laws; acting as a bridge between the State and religious organizations; promoting the cultural, ethical values ​​and resources of religion; and ensuring security, order, and social stability.

One particularly important aspect of implementing religious policy in Vietnam since the Doi Moi (Renovation) period is the following:recognizing 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 registration certificates to 43 religious organizations belonging to 16 religions.

From just a few religious training centers, Vietnam now has 66 such centers with approximately 10,000 students enrolled. This represents a significant development in Vietnamese religion during the Doi Moi (Renovation) period.

Religious organizations in Vietnam have all built and maintained a path of practice that is closely linked to and in harmony with the nation, such as:Catholicwith"Living the Gospel in the heart of the nation to serve the happiness of our compatriots.";Buddhismwith ""Buddhism - Nation - Socialism"organizationsProtestantismwith"Live the Gospel, serve God, serve the Fatherland and the Nation"; sectsCao Daiwith"The nation is glorious, the Way shines brightly.";Hoa Hao Buddhismwith "For the sake of the Dharma, for the sake of the Nation.";Pure Land Lay Buddhist Association of Vietnamwith "Study hard, do good deeds, benefit the country, and serve the people.";Islamwith"A way of life that is virtuous and beautiful."";Buddhism's Four Virtues of Filial Pietywith ""Practice the Four Virtues - Live with Filial Piety and Righteousness - For the Great Unity of the Nation"...

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

People of all religions actively participate in socio-economic development.

Here are some images showcasing the activities of various religions in Vietnam:

5 achievements in religious affairs

A consistent and transparent legal system.From the Constitution to laws, ordinances, decrees, and circulars, the legal system concerning belief and religion is becoming increasingly完善 (perfected), creating a solid legal basis for the exercise of the right to freedom of belief and religion.
Religious and spiritual life is diverse and vibrant.: 95% of Vietnam's population has religious beliefs, with 16 recognized religions and 43 religious organizations granted registration and legal status (as of mid-2025).
Respect and guarantee all legitimate rights, allowing religions to operate freely within the framework of the law.: Growth in quantity and activity; places of worship and training are restored, renovated, and newly built; religious publications and documents are licensed and widely circulated; diverse social activities; large-scale events and festivals are organized.
Strengthening national unity and solidarity.Religions coexist equally and harmoniously in a multicultural and multi-religious environment.
International cooperation and integration:Vietnam actively participates in international forums on religion, strengthens bilateral and multilateral dialogue, shares experiences and provides transparent information on the religious situation in the country, and refutes distorted and false claims about religious freedom in Vietnam.

According to the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions' electronic portal.

16 religions, nearly 28 million followers

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