According to deputy head of the committee Nguyen Huu Oanh, besides six religions and 16 religious organisations recognised by the State, the committee has granted licenses of operation to 13 more religious organisations. They include six new organisations namely Tu an hieu nghia (Four Debts of Gratitude) Tinh do cu si Phat hoi (Pure Land Buddhist Home-Practice Association), Bahai’, Phat duong Nam tong minh dao (Theravada Buddhism), Minh Ly dao Tam Tong Mieu (Minh Ly sect), and Buu Son Ky Huong, and seven Protestant organisations including the Vietnam Mennonite Church and the Grace Baptist Church.

In the Central Highland region, the committee recognised 106 Protestant chapters and licensed 1,156 groups, making up more than 90 percent of the total Protestant groups of the Vietnam Protestant Church (South). More than 80 Protestant dignitaries were ordained and 30 associations were licensed to build churches.

In the northern region, local administrations created conditions for Protestants to practise their religion at home and at 84 recognised public places of worship.

Elsewhere across the country nearly 400 places of worship of Protestant groups and organisations were licensed to practise their religion.

Major religious rituals such as Buddhism Day, Christmas and Easter Day were held, drawing the participation of hundreds of thousands of followers. Several sects such as Buddhists and Catholics held congresses.

Mr Oanh said that over the past two years the Government Committee for Religious Affairs has enhanced the dissemination of information about the Ordinance on Religion and Belief to more than 13,000 officials, 3,200 dignitaries and 10,000 followers. Last year, more than 4,000 followers finished courses on religious affairs while more than 9,000 others are attending these courses.