Where Persecution Comes From
In Vietnam, Christian persecution is due to local and national governments in addition to tribal culture. Vietnam is one of only five countries in the world that is still ruled by a Communist party. Laws are passed that disadvantage the Christian minority, and their implementation at the grassroots level leads to persecution from local officials. Roman Catholics are by far the largest Christian community in the country, but are seen as suspect for their ties to foreign powers. Ethnic group leaders see Christians as traitors to the tribal culture and identity, and villagers often work with them to persecute believers accordingly. The “Montagnards,” an ethnic minority with many Protestant Christians, are viewed with particular suspicion by government officials.
How Christians are Suffering
Historical Christian communities experience relative freedom in Vietnam, although they are still monitored by the government on suspicion of collusion with foreign powers. Politically outspoken Catholics are targeted, arrested and sentenced. Catholic congregations also have their land taken by the government for development and financial gain, despite protests in opposition. It is converts from folk religions, as well as Protestant Christians, that experience the most intense persecution, especially in the rural and remote areas of Central and North Vietnam. These believers face exclusion, harassment, discrimination, loss of property and even violent attack for their faith. Many who flee to neighboring countries for asylum are sent back to Vietnam.
Examples
In 2017, at least 50 Montagnard Christian refugees fled from Cambodia to Thailand to avoid repatriation to Vietnam.
In June 2017, vandals attacked the church building of a Catholic congregation that has criticized the government’s handling of a devastating toxic waste spill.
In 2017, several Catholic activists and bloggers and Protestant pastors were jailed, even deporting a Catholic professor to France and a Protestant pastor to the US.
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Pray for Vietnam
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In Vietnam, Christian persecution is due to local and national governments in addition to tribal culture. Vietnam is one of only five countries in the world that is still ruled by a Communist party. Laws are passed that disadvantage the Christian minority, and their implementation at the grassroots level leads to persecution from local officials. Roman Catholics are by far the largest Christian community in the country, but are seen as suspect for their ties to foreign powers. Ethnic group leaders see Christians as traitors to the tribal culture and identity, and villagers often work with them to persecute believers accordingly. The “Montagnards,” an ethnic minority with many Protestant Christians, are viewed with particular suspicion by government officials.
How Christians are Suffering
Historical Christian communities experience relative freedom in Vietnam, although they are still monitored by the government on suspicion of collusion with foreign powers. Politically outspoken Catholics are targeted, arrested and sentenced. Catholic congregations also have their land taken by the government for development and financial gain, despite protests in opposition. It is converts from folk religions, as well as Protestant Christians, that experience the most intense persecution, especially in the rural and remote areas of Central and North Vietnam. These believers face exclusion, harassment, discrimination, loss of property and even violent attack for their faith. Many who flee to neighboring countries for asylum are sent back to Vietnam.
Examples
In 2017, at least 50 Montagnard Christian refugees fled from Cambodia to Thailand to avoid repatriation to Vietnam.
In June 2017, vandals attacked the church building of a Catholic congregation that has criticized the government’s handling of a devastating toxic waste spill.
In 2017, several Catholic activists and bloggers and Protestant pastors were jailed, even deporting a Catholic professor to France and a Protestant pastor to the US.
Share Your Comment
Pray for Vietnam
- Pray for proper discipleship of the many ethnic minorities coming to faith in rural areas.
- Pray for family members pressuring their relatives to return to traditional faiths and rituals. Pray that they would come to faith in Christ through their Christian relatives.
- As the Christian minority grows, the government works hard to monitor churches and curb the growth of Christianity. Pray for a loosening of restrictions and increased freedom.
Vietnam Photo Gallery
Stories from Vietnam
July 27, 2018
7 Vacation Paradises that Are No Holiday for Christians
Here are seven popular resort destinations that rank high on the 2018 World Watch List of the 50 toughest countries…
+ READ MORE
July 2, 2018
On Independence Day, Remember the Millions of Christians Who Share Our Faith, Not Our Freedom
As you celebrate Independence Day and thank God for your freedom this week, please kneel in solidarity with persecuted believers…
+ READ MORE
February 9, 2018
Why One Christian in Vietnam Wants to Preach to His Persecutors
In rare video footage, secret believer 28-year-old Vang Atu shares his powerful story of God's protection and provision--after the day…
+ READ MORE
LOAD MORE STORIES
