Religious and Cultural Diversity in Vietnam

Prof. Dr. Do Quang Hung (right) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung chaired the discussion. (Photo: Thanh Long/USSH)

The seminar was attended by state managers in the field of religion and culture, researchers, dignitaries representing the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Catholicism, Protestant churches, mosques, Hanoi Catholic Solidarity Committee, etc. In particular, the seminar was attended by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Xuan - Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.

Diversity is a fundamental attribute of all cultures and religions in the world. However, up to now, Vietnam has not had many theoretical and methodological studies to guide academic approaches and practical activities. Meanwhile, state management practices in the field of religion tend to lose the diversity of culture and religion. In that context, the seminar raised and discussed theoretical issues in the research and management of cultural and religious diversity in Vietnam, shared knowledge and enhanced cooperation to improve the quality of research and training in these fields. In addition, delegates also discussed issues of state management of religion and belief that are of current concern, and listened to the different voices of those who practice in religions and beliefs.

The seminar is an academic activity of special significance because it takes place in the context of scientific research organizations and cultural policy-making agencies summarizing 15 years of implementing Directive 37 of the Politburo dated July 2, 1998 on religious work; Resolution of the 5th Conference of the 8th Central Executive Committee on Building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity; Resolution No. 25 of the 7th Conference of the 9th Central Executive Committee on religious issues and religious work during the transition period to socialism in Vietnam; Decree 2004 of the Government on Religion and Belief.

On the side of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the conference topic is an important research content that the University has been implementing recently. The Center for Contemporary Religious Studies is implementing the topic "Religion and culture: basic theoretical research and solutions to exploit cultural and religious values ​​to serve current social development" funded by the National Foundation for Science and Technology (Nafosted). The Center for Asia-Pacific Studies and International Affairs is cooperating with the Religious Studies Organization of the University of Yogyakarta (Indonesia) to research the topic "Religion, Policy and Social Transformation in Southeast Asia".