The new decree enables the Vietnamese government to demand financial records from churches and other religious organizations. As house churches in Vietnam often receive financial support from overseas Christians, this harsh measure—with its related financial scrutiny—threatens the existence of those churches.

Additionally, Decree 95 grants authorities a worrisome power: the ability to suspend religious activities for any unspecified reason. It also reinforces a legal framework in the country which mandates that religious groups must inform the government about their operations.

Persecuted Christians in Vietnam are suspicious of Decree 95’s quick implementation

The decree was announced in December 2023 and implemented just three months later—without prior public consultation. Many observers were surprised by how swiftly the legal order was enacted, leading to speculation that the Vietnamese government was attempting to remove itself from the U.S. State Department’s Special Watch List. Countries on the list have “engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom during the previous year.”

But a Christianity Today article about Decree 95 argued the move was not a positive step forward. Echoing this sentiment, religious liberty advocates and local church leaders believe the new rules further damage religious freedom. Instead of making it easier to register churches, the government is requiring more oversight and control. Indeed, the implementation of Vietnam’s religion law varies considerably across provinces, according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. Many religious groups that submitted applications reported facing obstacles, such as unreasonably long waiting periods.

Pastor Victor*, who is based in central Vietnam, said, “The direct effect of this decree is not so obvious at the moment, since the law only came into force in March. But I heard and knew some places [of worship] where people have been gathering now are being disturbed, forced to stop meeting until they register.”

The persecution of Vietnamese Christians continues

Despite some notable improvement on religious liberty over the years, Vietnam is still regarded as a persisting violator by human rights observers.

Persecuted Christians in Vietnam such as the Hmong and Montagnard people groups have endured severe persecution for their religious practices; they often face physical violence, exile, stateless status, arrest, incarceration and forced renunciation of faith.

In March, three Montagnard members of an independent house church in the Dak Lak province were detained for a week—without any explanation or warrants. Villagers in the same province also found the body of Montagnard preacher Y Bum Bya hanging in the local cemetery. His church members believe the preacher was murdered after being repeatedly beaten and threatened by local police.

The full extent of the decree’s impact on Christian-majority ethnic groups remains to be seen. In the meantime, please join us in prayer for persecuted Christians in Vietnam. Ask the Lord to protect Vietnamese churches and help them thrive, despite any ill intentions behind Decree 95.

*Please note: Pastor Victor’s name has been changed to ensure his safety and anonymity.

About the author

CJ Woo is a staff writer for Global Christian Relief. He focuses on stories of believers persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Read the latest stories of Christian persecution on our website and learn more at GlobalChristianRelief.org.