Vietnam's New Religion Bill Not as Good as It Sounds Especially for Evangelicals

The Vietnamese government is speeding the approval process of a new religious bill that the country's leaders hope will provide a clean break from its repressive past. Christian leaders say they are skeptical that the Communist regime will change its oppressive tactics.

Under current regulations, religious organizations are required to register, Christians and churches face land confiscations, and minority groups face persecution.

Although the details of the new legislation have not been released, it is reported tha it would allow citizens the freedom to either practice or not practice a religion. It would also include religions in public discussions on education, vocational training, and medical care.

Buddhists and Catholic leaders have praised the law at a recent Patriotic Front meeting, reports Mission Network News, however Greg Musselman, a spokesman for Voice of the Martyr’s Canada said he doubts the new bill will bring real change.

"Have they really changed from their Communist ideology? On the outside, it looks like that's happening," he said.  "You've got mouthpieces for the Communist government — 'religious' leaders who are coming out and saying, 'This is great!'  The reality is, it hasn't changed that much."

AsiaNews reports that leaders from the main religious institutions, including Caodaists and Catholics have sharply criticized it since it was first presented in April 2015.

According to the news organization the law restricts places of worship, staff, activities, staff destinations, and religious programs.

 "For those who want to practice their religion freely, (we'll just talk about the evangelicals), they are restricted," Musselman said. They have to have permission when it comes to a building, or if they want to have an ordination of a pastor, they have to go through the government; even Easter and Christmas services…"

"We need to continue to pray that the evangelical Church there, especially, will really have the wisdom of the Lord", said Musselman, "especially if the new law has teeth to bite."