The white book on religion and religious policies of Việt Nam. — VNS Photo Khánh Chi

HÀ NỘI — A comprehensive white book exploring religion and religious policies in Việt Nam was unveiled at a monthly conference hosted by the Authority of Foreign Information Service, a division of the Ministry of Information and Communication dedicated to providing foreign-related information in Hà Nội on Thursday. 

Titled "Religion in Việt Nam", the 132-page document is divided into three chapters. The publication offers valuable insights into the complex and diverse landscape of religious life in Việt Nam. 

It gives an overview of beliefs and religions in Việt Nam and the history and development of each religion.

It also explains the Party’s line and state policies on beliefs and religions and the implementation of these policies, as well as Việt Nam’s achievements, challenges and priority in ensuring religious policies.

The book’s appendix introduces some images and figures about religions in Việt Nam and the list of religious organisations in the country.

Nguyễn Tiến Trọng (standing), deputy head of the Việt Nam Government Committee for Religious Affairs, speaks at the conference. — VNS Photo Minh Thu

Nguyễn Tiến Trọng, deputy head of the Việt Nam Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA), said that the Party and State always considered the right of belief and religious freedom as one of the basic rights of citizens and constantly improved the legal system on the issue. 

As a result, the religious community in Việt Nam has been consolidated and developed, strengthening the great national unity and making worthy contributions to the cause of building and protecting the country.

However, said Trọng, Việt Nam still faced difficulties and challenges.

With cooperation and agreement with other countries on human rights and ensuring religious freedom rights, the book aims at helping readers understand more and enough about religious policy and religious life in Việt Nam.

Việt Nam had 54 groups with different religions and more than 26.5 million religious followers, making up 27 per cent of the country’s total population. 

There are more than 54,000 religious dignitaries, 135,000 religious workers, and 29,658 places of worship, along with thousands of concentrated religious groups, including groups of foreigners lawfully residing in Việt Nam.

Việt Nam recognises 36 religious organisations. — VNS