MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & TRAINING

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

VU THE DUY

STATE MANAGEMENT FOR PROTESTANTISM’S ACTIVITIES
IN VIET NAM

Major: Public Management
Code: 9 34 82 01

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

HA NOI, JUNE 2018


The thesis is completed in:
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Scientific Supervisor:
Supervisor 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Chuc
Supervisor 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Minh Do

Opponent 1:
Opponent 2:
Opponent 3:

The thesis will be defended before the Academy-level Thesis Assessment Council

in Viet Nam at present, the author has chosen the topic “State management for
Protestantism activities in Viet Nam” to make doctoral thesis of public
management. The topic has not only significance for theory but also important
meaning for the realities in state management for religious activities in Viet Nam
in general and Protestantism in particular.
2. Purposes and study tasks of the thesis
2.1. Study purposes
The thesis has the study purposes, making clear scientific grounds for state
management for Protestantism activities in Viet Nam at present, from that point,
proposing solutions aiming at continuing to complete state management for
Protestantism activities in the next period.
2.2. Study tasks
In order to implement the study purposes, the thesis has the following tasks:
- The overvier study of research works of Protestantism and state management
for Protestantism activities at home and abroad.
- Scientific fundamentals research of state management for Protestantism in
Viet Nam.
- Investigating, analyzing and assessing real situation of Protestantism activities
and state management for Protestantism activities in Viet Nam at present.
- Research of opinions and guidelines of the Party; orientation and policy of the
Government for religion and Protestantism. From there, proposing solutions
aiming at continuing to complete state management for Protestantism activities in
the next period.
3. Object and scope of research
3.1. Object of research
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Object of research of the thesis is measures of state management for
Protestantism activities in Viet Nam in present period.

in Viet Nam at present, what solutions are in need?
5.2. Supposition of research
State management for Protestantism activities in Viet Nam at present has also
some issues of inadequacy and limits, it is worthwhile needing to have a system of
solutions to impact on mechanism, institution, policy; organization of apparatus
and team of cadre and official of state management on religion aiming at creating
motive power, bringing into full play of good ethical values of Protestantism,
making contribution to socio-economic development process in Viet Nam in
renovation process.
6. New contributions of the thesis
- For theory: Building up and completing system of theoretical fundamentals of
state management for religious and Protestantism activities; building up system of
concepts relating to state management for Protestantism activities.
- For realities: The thesis has a summary of Protestantism activities in Viet
Nam; making clear real situation of implementing contents of state management
for Protestantism activities in Viet Nam. Forecasting development tendencies of
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Protestantism in Viet Nam in the next years and building up a system of 07
solutions aiming at making contribution of raising effectiveness of state
management for Protestantism activities in Viet Nam.
7. Structure of the thesis
In addition to introduction, conclusion, list of reference document and
appendix, contents of the thesis are made into 04 chapters.
Chapter 1
AN OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH WORK RELATING TO
THE THESIS TOPIC
Research of religion, Protestantism, state management for religious and
Protestantism activities is one of the topics concerned, investigated and learnt

Truong Son – Central Highlands region from start till 1975”; research of Vu Thi
Thu Ha of “Missionary work activities of Protestantism in Viet Nam and China”;
work of “Protestantism ethics and spirit of Capitalism” of Max Weber; research of
Ma Phuc Thanh Tuoi in the thesis “Protestantism ethics and ethical lifestyle of
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believer in Viet Nam at present”; an article “Looking back the process of
formation and development of Protestantism in the ethnic group region in
Northern provinces” of author Hoang Minh Do,..
1.3. Research works of state management for Protestantism activities
Research of state management topic for Protestantism activities with some the
following works: Scientific topic “Protestantism in Viet Nam – Real situation,
some issues set forth and solution” of Nguyen Xuan Hung; research of Hoang
Minh Do on “Real situation of Protestantism and issues set forth for state
management work after 10 years of implementation of the Decree No.01/2005/CTTTg of the Government Prime Minister”; Vu Trong Hach with the topic “State
management for Protestantism in Northwest of Viet Nam”,...
1.4. Remarks of works relating to the thesis topic
1.4.1. The results achieved of research works of Protestantism and state
management for Protestantism activities
- For theoretical basis, the authors has studied and made clear many theoretical
issues of religion and Protestantism.
- Scientific works and some works have learnt about, studied and summarized
relatively clearly guidelines, policies, opinions of the Party, policies, law of the
State on faith, religion, guidelines for Protestantism.
- Some works have pointed out missionary method of Protestantism in Viet
Nam over the past years or compared with missionary method of Viet Nam
Protestant Church Union and Protestant Church of other nations over the world.
- From the point of view of sociology, authors have found out ethical value in
dogmatics, canon law of Protestantism, compared ethical values of Protestantism

management for Protestantism activities nationwide.
1.4.3. Contents need to continue research and making ckear more
Through research and analysis of overview document, the author realizes that it
is necessary to continue research and make clear more some issues and contents as
follows:
 For theory, it is necessary to make clear more the following contents and
issues:
- Development periods of Protestantism nationwide; why does it develop
quickly in distant and ethnic minority areas, especially difficult areas with
economic conditions.
- The research has pointed out concepts relating to the thesis
- The research of theoretical fundamentals of church organization, faction,
dogmatics, canon law, rituals of Protestantism.
- System of scientific fundamentals of state management for Protestantism
activities: Urgency of state management for Protestantism activities; state
management for Protestantism activities; subject, object, contents and method of
state management for Protestantism activities.
- International experiences in state management for Protestantism activities and
experienced lesson for realities in Viet Nam.
 For real situation, it is necessary to make clear more the following contents:
- Generalizing real situation of Protestantism in Viet Nam including process of
import and development of Protestantism in each period; scope and faction
organization, pastor, missionary, number of followers, place of worship of
Protestantism.
- Research, investigation and making clear of activity situation of
organizations, faction of Protestantism nationwide: organization of faction,
activities of pastors, missionaries, training activities of dignitaries classes,
organization of rituals of Protestantism, charity and humanity activities.
- Research and analysis of active and inactive affects of Protestantism on social
life of Viet Nam.

- In the work of making contribution to criticizing jurisdictional philosophy of
Heghen, Karl Marx has defined the religion “Religious suffering is, at one and the
same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering.
Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and
the soul of soulless conditions. Religion is the opium of the people”.
2.1.2. Religious activities
The clause 11, Article 2 of the Law on Faith and Religion 2016 has stipulated:
Religious activities are the ones of religious missionary work, religious activities
and organization management of religion.
2.1.3. Religious organization
Religious organization is understood as a gathering of people who together
believe in a system of dogmatics, canon law and rituals and organized under a
fixed structure, recognized to be legal entity and issued to operating permit by the
Government.
2.1.4. Religious organization directly affiliated
A religious organization consists of many constituted parts, component parts so
that religious organization is called as fundamental religious organization or
referred to as religious organization directly affiliated. Under the Law on Faith and
Religion 2016, the Article 2 of the Law on Faith and Religion stipulated: Religious
organization directly affiliated is the one of religious organization established
under the Charter, Statutes and regulations of religious organization.
2.1.5. Religious follower and Protestants
Protestants are also called Protestant believers who are believers in
Protestantism, recognized by Protestant organizations and factions.
The Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South) stipulated: Believers are the people
who believe in Jesus Christ, trust in dogma and comply with organization of
the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South) under regulations of Charter in which
believers have received Baptism and believers have not received Baptism.
2.2. Generalization of Protestantism over the world
2.2.1. Situation and condition for establishment of Protestantism

million and Oceania 15 million.
2.2.3. Dogmatics, law and practices and rituals of Protestantism
2.2.3.1. Dogmatics of Protestantism
It is able to generalize dogmatics, law and practices, rituals and organization of
Protestantism as follows:
- For the Bible: Protestantism takes the Bible to make grounds for dogmatics.
Old Testament Bible of Protestantism has only recognized 36 of 46 books,
Protestantism has heightened position of Bible, considered that as basic and unique
standard of belief and religious practice. Protestantism does not consider the Bible
as a book that only priest has newly the right to carry out reseach on and explain
but also a book to all followers and dignitaries of Protestantism, the Bible has an
important position playing a role as a priest in both aspect of pastorship and
missionary work.
- For dogmatics: Dogmatics of Protestantism worshipping Christ and believing
in theory “Christ with three thrones” (Throne 1: Father, Throne 2: Child, Throne 3:
Saints and Gods; Throne 2 is formed from Throne, Throne 3 is formed from Throne 1
and Throne 2), believing in universe, all things are created and controlled by Christ;
believing in humankind created by Christ in specific way and having soul and body;
believing in people to be fallen in guilt; believing that second throne of Christ is Jesus
Christ to descend on earth, suffer death to redeem guilt to humankind; believing in
angel and ghost, having heaven and hell; believing in day of judgement, easter day and
day of final judgement.
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2.2.3.2. Law and practices, rituals of Protestantism
Protestantism is a special religion with prominence of reason in belief,
reckoning that saving is only come by belief without “external form”. Therefore
law and practices, rituals, ways of religious practice of Protestantism are simple,
unsophisticated, unwordy and uncomplicated. In seven sacraments of

implemented by functional agencies and authorities for legal person and natural
person and religious organizations aiming at ensuring religious organizations and
followers operating in accordance with law, guaranteeing for freedom of religious
faith of citizen at the same time also aiming at preventing and stopping behaviors
taking advantage of religious activities to do illegal works, encroaching upon
security and public order of the country.
2.3.1.2. Concept of state management for activities of Protestantism
 Activities of Protestantism
Clause 11, Article 2 of the Law on Faith and Religion 2016 and under guidance
of the Decree 92/2012/ND-CP dated 08 November 2012 of the Government Prime
Minister detailing and measures of implementing the Ordinance on Faith and
Religion 2004, activities of Protestantism including the following contents:
For organization of Protestantism including contents of activities:
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- Activities of registering faith activities; registering activities of Protestant
points and groups, recognizing organization of Protestantism;
- Activities of establishment, division, separation, mergence, consolidation of Protestant
points and groups;
- Activities of association registration, social organizations and other collective
religious organizations of Protestantism;
- Activities of establishment, management, dissolution of training schools,
opening improvement class for persons who are operating professionally in field of
Protestantism;
- Activity of nomination, promotion, appointment, election, dismissal, removal
of dignitaries in the Evangelical Churches;
- Activities of transfer of operation place of dignitaries, pastor, assumed pastor,
missionary.
For activities of Protestant Church with 08 contents of activities:

and long term with social development. Religious development process has an
affect inconsiderably on development of each country, nation; in process of
appearance, existence and development, religion has both active and inactive
affects on all aspects of social life. Starting from nature, function and role of the
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State is service for the ruling class benefit, benefit of classes, other classes in
society, the Government must conduct measures of orientation, adjustment and
impact on religious organizations, it is necessary and subjective.
2.3.2.2. Guaranteeing the freedom, faith, religion of people
Freedom of religious faith is the basic human right, this is an unconquerable
human right protected by Viet Nam law system. With its position, function and
powers, state management agencies must be responsible to protect basic rights of
citizens as stipulated in the Constitution and state codes including freedom of
religious faith. Guaranteeing freedom of religious faith to citizen i.e protecting
legal system of religious faith of the State, protecting the right to follow or
unfollow a religion of citizen. At the same time, state agencies have also task to
fight and prevent from behaviors taking advantage of freedom of religious faith to
do illegal works affecting on security and public order of the country.
2.3.2.3. Realities of activities of Protestantism in Viet Nam
In renovation process in Viet Nam, in addition to active and suitable points,
religious faith in general and Protestantism in particular is still one of objects so
that hostile influences take advantage of implementing a plot of peaceful
happenings, interference in internal work of Viet Nam.
2.3.3. Subject, object of state management for activities of Protestantism
2.3.3.1. Subject of state management for activities of Protestantism
Subject of state management for activities of Protestantism is executive bodies,
agency of implementation and operation, professional agencies of the Government
and the People’s Committee at levels.

order.
2.3.4.2. Method of state management for activities of Protestantism
- State management for activities of Protestantism by law.
- State management for activities of Protestantism by poliy.
- Management of activities of Protestantism through building and organizing
apparatus and team of cadre.
- Through work of encouragement and mobilization of Protestant followers and
dignitaries.
- Through work of inspection and control and settlement of complaints,
denouncement relating to activities of Protestantism.
2.4. Experience of state management of religion in China, lesson for Viet Nam
2.4.1. Experience in management of religion and Protestantism of China
2.4.1.1. Opinions and principles of state management of religion of China
Religious followers in China at present accounts for 10% of population and has
tendency for continuous increase, one special thing is that the majority of ethnic
groups living in concentration in border areas follows religious faith. With basic
characteristics, China has attached much importance to process of building a
Socialist harmonious society. The objective that direction of Communist Party of
China is to make use of scientific development opinions in religious work in a new
situation to push up cultural career of great development and great prosperity
towards building a Socialist harmonious society. This is a focused method and task
of religious work in present period as well as in the future.
2.4.1.2. Experience of Protestantism management in China
Thoughts for religion of Communist Party of China and Dang Xiao Ping are
shown in the Constitution 1982: Citizens of the People’s Republic of China are
offered faith freedom. No state agency, religious organizations or individuals have
forced citizens to believe or unbelieve in any religions; also not differentiate and
treat people to believe or unbelieve in any religions. The State has protected
normal religious activities. No one can use religion to take part in activities
undermining public order, weakening health of citizens or interferring in

developed in principle of the Government without any interference from outside.
2.4.2. Lesson of experience for Viet Nam
- Firstly, the Party and Government has institutionalized basically in
accordance with jurisdictional direction of relationship between the State and
religion.
- Secondly, Having solved more and more better the relationship between
“religious work” and “religious activities”. The relationship is sensitive and
complicated because “religious activities” is former survival of religious subjects,
in which “religious work” is still issue of state management.
- Thirdly, making use of experience of national and international history on the
Law on religion, in order to institutionalize power and obligations of the whole
people, first of all, community of religions is more and more suitable, it is a new
feature in our religious policy.
From finding out experiences of China in settling religious issues, considering
realities of religion in Viet Nam in general and Protestantism in ethnic minority
compatriots in Viet Nam in particular, the author has realized that it is necessary to
discuss more some following opinions:
- It is necessary to create conditions for faith to take part actively more in some
field of suitable society, making useful contribution to national development and
construction and satisfying requirement of religious life such as education and
training, social culture, health – examination and treatment, charity and humanity
even politics and state management, social management. Actually, social
requirement of Protestantism has more and more increased in tendency of
globalization and integration and it also has not been apart from daily activity right
of religion.
- Solving reasonably and legally the relationship between the State and
Protestant factions and organizations.
- It is obliged to be aware and grasp thoroughly widely and intensively Ho Chi
Minh’s thoughts on religion to make better stability of life of Protestants and create
conditions for Protestant factions and organizations to deserve all abilities in

from 2005 up to now
3.1.2.1. For scope and number of dignitaries and Protestants
According to statistics of Government Committee for Religion Affairs and
Committee for Religion Affairs of localities, at the end of 2014, total Protestants
have around 01 million people (including quantity without Baptism), in addition,
there are also organizations, factions, residence protestant groups, it is estimated
around 80 groups. At present there are nearly 700,000 people of more 40 ethnic
minorities, the most crowded are Mong people with around 190,000 people in all
the country.
According to declaration of religious societies, at present there are around
3,000 dignitaries (essentially missionary work with 2,200 people) in which
the Evangelical Church
of Viet
Nam (South)
has
883
dignitaries,
the Evangelical Church of Viet Nam (North) has 153 dignitaries and 08 newly
recognized organizations with 2,162 dignitaries.
3.1.2.2. For organization of Protestant factions
After 10 years since issue of the Decree No.01/2005/CT-TTg on some works
for Protestantism, so far, Protestantism in Viet Nam has been strongly developing,
continuing to establish many different organizations, factions and groups.
According to Statistics of Government Committee for Religion Affairs till
December 2014, there are around nearly 100 Protestant organizations, factions and
groups in all the country.
3.1.2.3. For a place of worship, training institution of Protestant factions
Over the past years, although Government Committee for Religion Affairs has
initiated to coordinate with the Ministries, Branches and Localities in solving
issues relating to land, a place of religious worship in the spirit of the Decree

and public order in Viet Nam.
3.1.4. Influence of Protestantism on socio-economic life in Viet Nam
Protestantism imported in Viet Nam over the past years has a fixed influence on
all aspects of life and society in Viet Nam. Investigation and survey of realities
shows that Protestantism both has active and inactive influence on all all aspects
of life and society especially community of ethnic groups of Viet Nam. The
research shows that Protestantism has created cultural conflict rather severely with
traditional religious faith especially area with ethnic minority compatriots in
Central Highlands and Northwest region. The relationship between faith followers
and unfollowers in the same family, village, between faith followers and local
authorities has become tensive and some places have become opposition. Lawsuits
relating to missionary work and faith following have strongly increased in excess
of level. A considerable part of Protestant followers has emigrated freely in remote
and deep area from the North to Central Highlands, to Laos and Cambodia....
Taking advantage of this situation, domestic and foreign hostile influences have
used materials to buy off a part of believers and dignitaries of Protestantism and
used religion to make cover to set up “Dega State” in Central Highlands region
and “Mong autonomous Kingdom” in mountanous Nothern area. In outside, USA
and some European countries have acused Viet Nam of violating human right and
imposed in public on conditions for Viet Nam in process of negotiation and
participation in international treaties.
3.2. Actual situation of state management contents implementation for
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activities of Protestantism in Viet Nam
3.2.1. Building up and organizing the implementation of state management law
for activities of Protestantism
Since revolution in August 1945 was successful up to now, the Government has
unceasingly concerned about guaranteeing for religiou faith freedom to people. In

legal position of Committee for Religion Affairs from agency with a role of
assistance to agency with a role of acting as an advisor. This change in suitability
with general policy of the Party is both reduction of apparatus and puts
management activities into intensiveness. However, when considering actual
power, function of relatively independent assistance in authorized limit, function of
acting as an advisor is not independent. With a new position, state management
agencies of religion is short of initiative in professional skills activities, because
they have only function of acting as an indirect advisor through intermediate level.
If keeping intact as present time, state management branch and sector of religion
will meet much difficulties in activities however if it is in old position, it will be
not suitable with policy of apparatus reduction.
3.2.3. Team of cadre, official of state management of Protestantism
For scope of cadre and official: the whole system has 11,257 cadres and
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officials, cadre in charge is 2,047 people and cadre in charge and plurality of 9,210
people. If dividing on average into 63 provinces/cities directly affiliated to central
level and Government Committee for Religion Affairs, there are 32 people on
average in locality. In which Government Committee for Religion Affairs has 136
people; Division (Department) for Religion Affairs of Department of Home Affairs
at provincial level has 693 people, state management cadre of religion at district
level of Division of Home Affairs is 1,218 people and communal cadre in charge
of religious work is 9,210 people.
Research of realities of team of cadre and official in charge of religious work at
levels at present shows that scope of cadre in charge of state management of
religion at levels is slender and professional skills of teams although is
consolidated, howver, there is still a rather large number of cadres who has not
qualified for level, 17% of number of cadre in system has qualifications from
college and below. Number of cadre of state managemet of religion is not trained

nation-wide defense in all the country area.
The survey result of real situation shows that work of mobilization and
encouragement of believers and dignitaries of Protestantism is not well
implemented, namely: 66/300 opinions are considered as not well implemented,
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accounting for 22.0% in which cadre and official of state management is 41/300
opinions, accounting for 20.5%, cadre of front and organizations is 25/100
opinions, accounting for 12.5%.
3.2.4.3. For foreign relations and training and improvement of Protestant
dignitaries
With that the Government Prime Minister has issued the Decree
No.01/2005/CT-TTg has contributed to change opinions of many foreign
organizations and individuals concerning to religious situation and Protestantism in
Viet Nam. From that they are worried till they share, agree and have active
assessments, making contribution to put Viet Nam to become a 150th member of
WTO (November 2006), non-permanent member of the United Nations (July
2007) and force USA to put Viet Nam out of list of country of particular concern,
sign permanent normal trade relations with Viet Nam (December 2006).
3.2.4.4. For management and consideration of approval of building up facilities,
architecture and religious works of Protestantism
Over the past years, Government Committee for Religion Affairs has
strengthened to coordinate with many relevant Minsitries, Branches and Localities
in acting as an advisor and proposing the Government to solve issues relating to
religious house and land; considering and approving repair, rehabilitation and new
construction of architectural works of organizations, factions and points and groups
of Protestantism. With advisor work of Government Committee for Religion
Affairs, the Government has issued the Decree 1940/2012/CT-TTg on religious
house and land. However, up to present time, solution of legitimate requirements

central level with hot points of religion and Protestantism, localities have a
situation of long complaints and lawsuits relating to religion for many years
however they are not solved definitively by local authorities especially localities
with hot development of Protestantism in Northwest and Central Highlands area.
Committee for Religion Affairs of Home Affairs Department of provinces and
cities has handled a case in a law court and solved over 300 letters of complaints
and lawsuits, denoucement relating to religion and Protestantism, in which has
settled or submitted to competent state agencies for solving 71% of contents, so far
there have been 70 applications and letters in settlement, accounting for nearly
30% and essentially contents of land, assets and a place of worship.
For control and supervision work of implementation of policy and guidelines of
the Party, policy and state law on faith, religion and Protestantism is relatively well
implemented by function agencies, however there are still opinions considered as
high effective unperformance especially contents of control and supervision of
implementing guidelines, policy and law of the Party and the Government of
organizations, factions and Protestants. The result of survey shows that 116/300 of
opinions are not good, accounting for 38.7%.
 Activities of fighting and preventing behaviors to take advantage of faith
Effective implementation and fulfilment of the Decree No.01/2015/CT-TTg has
contribution to push back and prevent effectively activities taking advantage of
Protestantism of hostile influence.
From 2005 up to now, issue "Dega Protestantism" has been basically solved,
defeating a plot and intention using "Dega Protestantism" to demonstrate, riot and
is actively fighting to prevent a plot taking advantage Protestantism to gather force
for the purpose of "Mong Kingdom" in Northern provinces. For Protestants with
extremist and hostile activities, organization of political attack, neutralization and
isolation and lower prestige of them has been implemented. For some objects that
must be settled by law, majority of dignitaries and followers have agreed to support
and complicated reaction is not happened.
3.3. General assessment of real situation of state management for

Protestantism to encroach upon national security and public order.
- Eighthly, aspect of the countryside, mountainous and border area has changed
clearly, infrastructure and welfare projects have been increasingly newly
constructed and invested.
- Ninthly, policy of agricultural, forest encouragement, land and forest
allocation is strongly pushed up to implement by localities, making life of people
gradually change better.
3.3.2. Some limits and insufficiency
- Some religious guidelines and policies are late for institutionalization
- State management apparatus of religion at central level and at locality in
recent years is short of stability.
- At present, there are around over 400 thousand people with faith activities at
unregistered and unissued points and groups, this means that 40% of Protestantism
activities points and groups are not managed by authorities. Especially, in recent
time, issue and registration of religious activities is in conformity with points.
- There are ways of understanding and different application for some contents
as stipulated in the law on faith and religion.
- Implementation and grasping thoroughly of policies of the Party, policy and
law of the Government of some executive committees, authorities at grassroots
level has also brought a heavy formalism, shortage of inspection and supervision
and speeding up.
- Socio-economic and cultureal development process is not stable, sustainable,
does not solve issues of work to people.
- There is no change in economic structure of agriculture and countryside and
assigned of labor.
- Work for fighting and preventing crimes relating to Protestantism has got a
fixed result, however it has not brought into full play of effectiveness.
3.3.3. Reason of the above results
3.3.3.1. Reason of success
- Obtaining the above results first of all is that we have right guidelines and

Through assessing real situation of state management for activities of
Protestantism in Viet Nam, the thesis has pointed out some issues in need of
research and consideration in the next period: (1) improving legal system of
organization and activities of religious faith, Protestantism; (2) strengthening
system of state management apparatus organization and team of cadre and official
of state management of religion at levels; (3) recognition of points and groups and
establishment of Protestant branch; (4) issue of a place of worship and religious
activities outside a place of worship; (5) training issue and promotion of
dignitaries; (6) management of Protestant organizations, groups and factions have
not been recognized; (7) issue of religious activities of foreigner in Viet Nam; (8)
participation in socialization of education, vocational training and charity and
humanity health; (9) consolidated requirement and division into independent
Protestant organization and (10) issue of legal person of Protestant organization.
Chapter 4
DIRECTION AND SOLUTION TO STATE MANAGEMENT FOR
PROTESTANTISM ACTIVITIES IN VIET NAM
4.1. Opinions, direction and principle of state management for Protestantism
activities
4.1.1. Opinions of the Communist Party of Viet Nam on religious work and
Protestantism
On 12 March 2003, the Central Committee has issued the Resolution 25NQ/TW the Resolution of the 7th Conference, the IXth Central Committee on
religious work, contents of the Resolution have affirmed: “Religious activities and
religious work must aim at pushing up religious fellow-citizen solidarity in block of
the whole great national unity, bringing into full play of general strength of the
whole nation, implementing victory of national industrilization and modernization,
building and protecting firmly Fatherland for the purpose of rich people, strong
20


country, equal, democratic and civilized society

- All believers have the right to freely do religious work at family and a legal
place of worship under regulations of law.
- Religious organization accepted by the Government to operate under law and
protected by law, permitted to operate religion, open training school for dignitaries
and monk, publishing bible books and keeping, repairing and building a place of
religious worship in accordance with regulations of law.
- Following faith, missionary work as well as all other religious activities must
comply with the Constitution and law, does not take advantage of religions to
propagandize heresy, superstititous activities, not permitted to force people to
follow faith. Organizations of missionary work, missionaries and illegal misionary
methods are probihited, violating regulations of constitution and law.
4.1.2. Forecast of development tendency of Protestantism in the next years
Although Protestantism in Viet Nam in recent years has a tendency to slow
development, however tendency to increasing development is still essential. From
2010 to 2015, Protestantism has increased around 110,000 followers, up to around
one million believers of approximately nearly 100 protestant faction and groups
nationwide.
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In the years to come, with opening the door of international intensive
integration of country, together with boom of science and technology; information
and communications, Protestantism is forecasted that it will develop strongly in
Viet Nam, it is able to have more organizations, factions and groups of new
protestantism. Scope of protestant still continue to increase, number of foreigners
who has demand on Protestantism activities in Viet Nam increases strongly,
especially in Ha Noi city, Ho Chi Minh city and provinces with many industrial
parks with foreign investment capital. Activities of protestant organizations and
factions still happen complicatedly, issue of taking advantage of Protestantism to
encroach upon security and public order still continue to happen in some localities

4.2. Solution of improving state management for Protestantism activities in
Viet Nam at present
Through research of theoretical fundamentals and investigation of realities of
state management for Protestantism activities in Viet Nam, the thesis has built up a
system of 07 solutions aiming at raising effectiveness of state management for
Protestantism activities in Viet Nam in the next period.
- Renovating work of propaganda and mobilization of followers and dignarities
of Protestantism.
- Improving legal document system, policy of religion and Protestantism
- Strenthening apparatus organization and team of cadre and official in charge
of religious work.
- Investing infrastructure, socio-economic development in crowded area and
ethnic minority and distant area of Protestantism followers.
- Strenthening management of religious activities of Protestantism; fighting and
preventing to take advantage of Protestantism to encroach upon national security and
public order.
- Attaching religious policy to national policy, pushing up coordination between
state agencies in state management for Protestantism activities.
- Inspecting, controlling and solving absolutely complaints and denunciation
relating to state management for Protestantism activities.
4.3. Recommendations
Through research of theoretical fundamentals and investigations of realities, the
thesis has set forth some recommendations for the Government, Government
Committee for Religious Affairs; relevant Ministries and Branches and local
authorities in implemenation of more effectiveness of state management for
Protestantism activities in Viet Nam at present.

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