The adoption of the Law on Belief and Religion in 2016 was an important legal reform in Vietnam, creating a firm legal framework to better ensure citizens’ rights to freedom of belief and religion.

People gather at the Saint Joseph Cathedral (Big Church) for Christmas celebration

According to Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnam has spared no efforts in improving the legal system and policies in the field, and recognised 42 religious organisations as legal entities. 

Religious organisations have got involved in social activities such as establishing more than 450 health facilities and 270 kindergartens, and supporting 11,800 social welfare beneficiaries.

In 2016, the Board of Representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was recognised.

The Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddism and the Vietnamese Full Gospel Church were granted certificates of registration for religious practices in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

The State has facilitated religious organisations in printing and distributing scriptures and religious supplies. 

More than 3,000 religious publications have been issued with some 10 million printed copies and millions of CDs and DVDs in many languages. 

Most of the religious organisations have their own websites. International cooperation activities of religious individuals and organisations are developing strongly. 

Major international religious activities are held in Vietnam, such as the Vesak Festival 2014 and the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017. 

With the State’s support, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha implemented the construction of the Khmer Theravada Buddhist Academy in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in 2017.-VNA