religious affairs

Update news religious affairs

Vietnam launches pilot religious database system for digital governance

On December 31, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs (MERA) of Vietnam officially launched a pilot implementation of the National Religious Database Information System at the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.

Daily fire offering and stone prayer rituals at Saigon’s 100-year-old temple

Every day, hundreds of people visit the Mariamman Temple in Ho Chi Minh City to offer sacred fire and press their faces against stone in prayer - a gesture of deep reverence and a plea for peace.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung: Religious communities are key to national progress

Religious institutions play a vital role in Vietnam’s development, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung affirmed during his Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 visits in Hanoi.

Senior official extends Christmas greetings to religious communities in HCM City

Head of Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission visits Catholic and Protestant leaders, sharing hopes for unity and national development in 2026.

Vietnam revises religious law to address digital realities

A new draft law on religion is under discussion as officials grapple with online sermons, cross-border rituals, and blurred lines between belief and construction law.

Vietnam consults religious leaders on law reform to match real-world needs

On December 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs held a consultation conference with religious dignitaries, clergy, and representatives of religious organizations and belief establishments.

Vietnam attends 3rd Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Buddhist Summit in Cambodia

A delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung, has arrived in the Kingdom of Cambodia to attend the 3rd Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Buddhist Summit.

Religious leaders bring faith to life through community service

A Catholic priest and a Buddhist monk join forces with government and citizens to spread compassion in Dong Nai.

A new chapter: Vietnam Buddhism embraces art to awaken compassion

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha partners with national arts associations to promote Buddhist values through literature, music, and the arts - creating a lasting cultural legacy.

Vietnamese Buddhist Vice Patriarch Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh passes away

Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh, Vice Patriarch of the Supreme Patriarch Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, passed away at 4:30 am on October 8 at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cao Dai followers gather for full moon ceremony in Tay Ninh

Thousands gather in silence to observe the spiritual heart of Hoi Yen Dieu Tri Cung, held under the full moon.

Buddhist requiem honors victims of traffic accidents in Vietnam

The 2025 Requiem Ceremony for Victims of Traffic Accidents, themed "Remembering those who left - For those who remain", spreads the message: "A united community for a safe and civilized traffic environment."

Tay Ninh hosts grand Cao Dai festival on Mid-Autumn Full Moon

Vietnam’s Cao Dai Holy See will welcome hundreds of thousands of devotees for its largest annual festival.

Vietnam Buddhist Sangha pioneers paperless meeting in digital transition

Vietnam's Buddhist Sangha holds its first-ever paperless meeting, signaling a shift toward digital transformation.

Cao Dai religion rooted in 'Eye of Heaven' legend spreads global influence

Born from a spiritual vision, Cao Dai has grown into a global symbol of Vietnamese culture and faith.

Hanoi’s mosque revival tells a story of faith, culture, and quiet determination

The revival of Hanoi’s Al-Noor Mosque stands as a powerful testament to cultural connection, quiet perseverance, and the enduring light that faith can bring.

A nation of faith: Vietnam embraces 16 religions, 28 million followers

Religions in Vietnam play a powerful role in shaping culture, social welfare, and national development, with nearly 95% of the population practicing a belief.

Buddhism’s enduring role in Vietnam’s revolution and nation-building

From monks in the resistance to pagodas as revolutionary bases, Buddhism has been deeply embedded in Vietnam’s national journey.

Monk in Thanh Hoa crafts herbal products to fund charity

Dedicated to charity and raising orphaned children, Monk Thich Dam Ngoan, abbess of Hoi Long Pagoda in Thanh Hoa, develops herbal products to generate funds for humanitarian activities.

50,000 pilgrims gather at La Vang Holy Land in Quang Tri

The 2025 La Vang pilgrimage drew tens of thousands of Catholics praying for peace and blessings.