Religious and cultural diversity in Vietnam

Professor Dr. Do Quang Hung (right) and Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung chaired the seminar. (Photo: Thanh Long/USSH)

The seminar was attended by state administrators in the fields of religion and culture, researchers, and dignitaries representing the Vietnam Buddhist Church, Catholicism, Protestant churches, mosques, the Hanoi Catholic Solidarity Committee, etc. Notably, the seminar was attended by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Xuan - Deputy Head of the Government's Religious Affairs Committee.

Diversity is a fundamental attribute of all cultures and religions worldwide. However, to date, Vietnam has lacked extensive theoretical and methodological research to guide academic approaches and practical activities. Meanwhile, state management practices in the field of religion tend to undermine cultural and religious diversity. In this context, the seminar aims to address and discuss theoretical issues in the research and management of cultural and religious diversity in Vietnam, share knowledge, and enhance cooperation to improve the quality of research and training in these areas. Furthermore, participants will exchange views on current issues of state management of religion and belief, and listen to the diverse perspectives of practitioners within various religions and beliefs.

This seminar is a particularly significant academic activity as 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 affairs; Resolution of the Fifth Conference of the Central Committee of the Eighth Party Congress on Building an Advanced Vietnamese Culture with a Strong National Identity; Resolution No. 25 of the Seventh Conference of the Central Committee of the Ninth Party Congress on religious issues and religious work during the transitional period to socialism in Vietnam; and the 2004 Government Decree on Religion and Beliefs.

From the perspective of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the conference topic is an important research area that the University has been undertaking recently. The Center for Contemporary Religious Studies is currently working on the project "Religion and Culture: Basic Theoretical Research and Solutions for Exploiting Cultural and Religious Values ​​to Serve Current Social Development," funded by the National Foundation for Science and Technology (Nafosted). The Center for Asia-Pacific and International Studies is collaborating with the Organization for Religious Studies at Yogyakarta University (Indonesia) on the research topic "Religion, Policy, and Social Transformation in Southeast Asia."