Restricted
Vietnam
Vietnam has a repressive Communist government that actively restricts Christian worship in many ways. While Christian worship is legal, the government views Christians and churches as a threat to its power and control. Minority tribal groups, such as the Hmong, generally face the most violent and harsh forms of persecution, while Christians in urban centers experience pressure and harassment instead of violent opposition. Churches continue to grow as believers faithfully reach out despite these challenges.
Major Religion
Most Vietnamese people practice a blend of ancestor worship and Buddhism. Roughly 10 percent of the population are Christians.
Persecutor
The government imposes some restrictions, while local authorities and community members violently persecute Christians in rural areas. Christian converts are persecuted by family members.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN VIETNAM
New Christians in tribal areas are often evicted from their homes and villages by local authorities. Officially recognized churches are harassed by the government and are expected to report their activities and teachings to the government. All churches face government opposition when they evangelize and attempt to conduct community events. Within rural and tribal areas, believers can often meet openly, but Christian converts are targeted with harsh persecution. Some Christians are denied social services, utilities and access to schools.
Access to Bibles
It is legal to own a Vietnamese-language Bible, but some tribal-language Bibles are heavily restricted. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM responds to persecution and provides training for pastors and believers. We also distribute Bibles to tribal Christians and provide ministry tools for front-line workers. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Vietnam
- Pray for the ministry of a courageous church that restored their building after the government demolished it.
- Pray that the families of Christian martyrs like Pastor Diem will know true peace.
- Pray for Cai and Hien, tribal Christians who face intense persecution but continue to faithfully lead a growing church.
- Pray for Christians like Gia and Dai who have lost benefits, jobs, crops and property because of their faith in Christ.
- Praise the Lord for efforts to translate the Bible into many tribal languages in spite of government opposition.
