New Restrictions Proposed

According to Christian leaders in Vietnam, new religion-related decrees are set to be introduced in the country which would further restrict religious freedoms. The proposed ordinances are apparently intended to resolve shortcomings in previous guidelines. However, as one Vietnamese analyst explained, "If you start with something which is very bad at its core, any additions to it can only be bad too.... Tinkering with the margins will not change the rotten core."

One example of the concerning proposals would be a requirement to report church activities for approval a year in advance. Any change in church staffing or office address would need to be reported immediately. Another requirement would be that any clergy training must include a study of the country's revolutionary history. Failure to do so could result in the closure of the training institution.

While the regulations are only at the draft stage, further restrictions by the repressive Communist government would merely compound the persecution being experienced by Christians in the country. To read further about the difficulties encountered by Vietnamese believers, go to our country report.

Pray that as Vietnam's governing leaders discuss the proposed legislative changes, they will take into consideration the need to uphold the rights of all Vietnamese citizens – including those of the Christian faith. May believers who are presently facing oppressive actions from the country's officials experience God's grace, wisdom and guidance as they navigate how to effectively respond. In spite of this persecution, ask the Lord to bless the ongoing ministry of the Gospel so it will thrive and grow among the people of this Southeast Asian land, also reaching those who are desperately in need of His eternal salvation.