In January 2018, Vietnam introduced the new Law on Belief and Religion. The law imposes several restrictive requirements upon religious groups, including mandatory registration with the authorities.
More than four years later, violations against some communities from every major religion or belief group in the country continue to be regularly reported. Unregistered religious groups, including those who have had their applications rejected or ignored by the authorities, are more vulnerable to harassment, arrest, imprisonment and physical violence.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/vietnam
Sunday 27 November
In June 2022, Vietnamese authorities published two draft decrees on religion which expand on the 2018 law. They are likely to tighten government control over religious affairs, including online meetings. Pray today that the government would not proceed with approving these laws.
Monday 28 November
Religious groups who are denied registration under the 2018 law are particularly vulnerable. For example, Y Cuon Nie – a pastor of the Montagnard Evangelical Church of Christ – was assaulted, arrested and detained by police for five hours in December 2021. Pray for his and others’ protection today.
Tuesday 29 November
‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.’ Moses speaks these words to the Israelites in Exodus 14:13, after which God enables them to escape through the Red Sea. Pray that the God of rescue would deliver people of all faiths and beliefs in Vietnam from the dangers they are facing today.
Wednesday 30 November
Members of religious groups who also belong to ethnic minorities, such as ethnic Montagnard Protestants, are especially vulnerable. Ask God to strengthen and protect these groups today, hiding them from those who would seek to do them harm.
Thursday 1 December
Followers of Duong Van Minh, a religious community not recognised by the government, have suffered years of harassment and abuse by Vietnam authorities. In May, 15 ethnic Hmong followers from the Duong Van Minh community were handed prison sentences of up to four years – seemingly for attempting to attend the funeral of their community’s founder. Please pray for their immediate and unconditional release.
Friday 2 December
Last December, activist and journalist Pham Doan Trang was sentenced to nine years in prison for ‘anti-State propaganda’. She joins many other prisoners of conscience, including legal expert Nguyen Bac Truyen. Pray for their unconditional release, and for the protection of all human rights defenders in Vietnam.
Saturday 3 December
Father God, we ask for your intervention in Vietnam today. May it become a country in which freedom of religion or belief is respected alongside all other human rights, and where citizens can live without fear of government harassment or intimidation. Amen.