Field visit witnesses freedom of religion and belief in the Central Highlands

The Da Tong Stone Church, located in Da Tong commune, Dam Rong district, Lam Dong province, serves as the main place of worship for over 10,000 people. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Throughout the process of nation-building and development, the Party and State of Vietnam have consistently affirmed that freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right, guaranteed and respected under the law. However, due to the Central Highlands’ specific geographic, social, and historical characteristics, the region was, in the past, exploited by hostile forces seeking to use religion to incite opposition to the government and sow division within the great national unity bloc—most notably through the activities of FULRO (Front Unifié de Lutte des Races Opprimées), and the so-called “Dega Protestantism” movement.

In response, authorities at all levels—particularly provincial police forces—have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure religious security while upholding citizens' freedom of religion and belief.

According to Mr. Le Cong Duy, Deputy Head of the Internal Security Division of the Lam Dong Provincial Police, following the Central Highlands unrest in 2004, provincial police proactively coordinated with the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies to organize dozens of training sessions. These sessions disseminated religious policies and laws to hundreds of dignitaries, religious workers and respected figures within Protestant communities.

Through these networks, the Party's and State’s guidelines, policies, and legal provisions on religion were conveyed in a relatable and accessible manner, laying the groundwork for encouraging those who had participated in FULRO or “Dega Protestantism” to return to genuine religious practices.

Mr. Le Cong Duy, Deputy Head of the Internal Security Division of the Lam Dong Provincial Police, emphasized that local authorities have conveyed the Party’s guidelines, policies, and laws on religion and belief to the people in a relatable and accessible manner. (Photo: Xuan Son)

One particularly effective approach involved leveraging the unique socio-cultural characteristics of local ethnic minorities, particularly clan-based relationships and the influential roles of village elders, community leaders, and other respected individuals. Security forces flexibly utilized these family and social ties to encourage and support the rehabilitation of former participants.

Notably, many women—wives, mothers, and sisters of former FULRO members—served as vital connectors, helping persuade their relatives to disengage from hostile elements and return to lawful, peaceful religious practice. At the same time, village elders, religious dignitaries, and other esteemed community figures actively engaged in outreach efforts, explaining the reactionary and illegal nature of the organizations they had previously involved.

In parallel, religious security efforts were strengthened through advanced operational measures. Local police closely monitored and managed extremist Protestant groups previously linked to organizations such as the “Evangelical Lutheran Church of Vietnam–USA” or “Church of Christ.” This enabled the detection and timely handling of many unauthorized religious gatherings, effectively preventing the re-emergence of harmful organizations.

Equally important, local authorities have shown a clear commitment to safeguarding citizens' freedom of religion and belief. Legitimate religious practices and needs of dignitaries and followers are considered and addressed promptly. Religious festivals and faith-based activities are allowed to take place in accordance with legal regulations.

Thanks to the concerted and determined efforts of the entire political system, the campaign to reach out to those involved in unauthorized religious activities has yielded significant results. Most have abandoned illegal religious organizations and returned to lawful, genuine religious groups, stabilizing their lives and contributing to local security and public order. At the same time, many “evil cults,” “strange religions,” and newly emerging reactionary religious phenomena have been effectively eliminated.

This clearly affirms that the Party and State of Vietnam consistently respect the people's right to freedom of religion and belief, as guaranteed by the Constitution and laws. These efforts help strengthen national unity, maintain political and social stability, and contribute to firmly safeguarding national sovereignty.

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