Religion in Vietnam

The majority of Vietnamese do not follow any organized religion, instead participating in one or more practices of folk religions, such as venerating ancestors, or praying to deities, especially during Tết and other festivals. Folk religions were founded on endemic cultural beliefs that were historically affected by Confucianism and Taoism from ancient China, as well as by various strands of Buddhism (Phật giáo). These three teachings or tam giáo were later joined by Christianity (Catholicism, Công giáo) which has become a significant presence. Vietnam is also home of two indigenous religions: syncretic Caodaism (Đạo Cao Đài) and quasi-Buddhist Hoahaoism (Phật giáo Hoà Hảo).

Quotes

• The Cao Dai religion is divided into a group formed in 1926, which strives to be independent, and Cao Dai 1997.
  The government created the 1997 “Cao Dai Tay Ninh Sect,” appointing leaders loyal to the Vietnamese Communist Party and transferring religious properties and assets of the religion, including its Holy See in Tay Ninh Province, to the new sect.
  It has since assumed the identity of the Cao Dai Religion, occupied its Holy See, and seized most of its temples. Sect members are accused of committing severe violations of [civil] rights, including torture, with the aim of converting [the] Cao Dai 1926 followers.
  • "Vietnam’s religious communities commemorate victims of religious persecution", Radio Free Asia (August 22, 2022)
  • Curator's Note: The 1997 “Cao Dai Tay Ninh Sect” could be described as a criminal religious movement, which is a religious movement that calls for committing, or commits regularly as a group, major criminal activities.

• [Thích Minh Tuệ] does not claim to be a monk but he has become a symbol for many Buddhists by drawing attention to what many people say is the lack of religious freedom in Vietnam.
  Freedom of religion is technically enshrined in Vietnam’s constitution but [Tuệ] does not belong to a Buddhist sect that is recognized by the state. Without recognition, religious groups are not allowed to organize.
  • "Buddhist pilgrimage by unrecognized ‘monk’ goes viral in Vietnam", Radio Free Asia (May 17, 2024)

External inks

• Media related to Religion in Vietnam on Wikimedia Commons
• Encyclopedic article on Religion in Vietnam on Wikipedia