Vietnam Has Over 24.3M of People Following Recognized Religions, Beliefs: Gov’t Committee

Bui Thanh Ha, vice chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, shakes the hand of Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (Courtesy: LDS)

Bui Thanh Ha, vice chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, shakes the hand of Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (Courtesy: LDS)

The country has identified 39 organizations of 14 religions and sects so far, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs said.

by KTT, June 10, 2016

Vietnam has 24.3 million people who adhere to a particular set of beliefs and practices, or 27% of the population, a government committee has reported.

The country has identified 39 organizations of 14 religions and sects so far, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs said at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh on June 9.

The organizations which practicing their religions in 27,900 worship places nationwide, are in line with the laws and under the state’s strict observation, according to the committee.

Religious sects sometimes are organizations popularizing policies and laws. They have actively taken part in the governance at all levels with many dignitaries joining the National Assembly and People’s Councils and the Fatherland Front, the committee added.

It noted that people’s right to freedom of religion and belief is ensured. But the committee also warned of a number of problems facing religious activities, including the abuse of religion to conduct activities which possibly cause social disorder and harm the country’s international integration, the government said on its website.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh emphasized at the meeting that religious matters are not covered the Government Committee for Religious Affairs alone but the whole political system, especially local government.

He asked the committee to complete the draft Law on Religions and Beliefs to soon submit to the National Assembly soon.

Religious freedom in Vietnam remains one of issues which domestic and international rights groups have called on the government for more changes to adapt with the world’s spirit of the freedom of religion.

Two biggest religious communities in Vietnam are Buddhist followers and Christianity believers. The country has issued many policies encouraging the expansion of Buddhism together with developing many Buddhist worshipping places amid the strong growth of Catholics.

Buddhist followers account for 10 million, compared to seven million of Catholics.