Law on Belief and Religion No. 02/2016/QH14

LAW

BELIEFS AND RELIGIONS

Pursuant toConstitution of the Socialist Republic of VietnamVietnam;

The National Assembly enacts the Law on Beliefs and Religions.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Law stipulates the rights to freedom of belief and religion; belief activities, religious activities; religious organizations; the rights and obligations of agencies, organizations, and individuals related to belief and religious activities.

2. This Law applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals in ensuring and implementing the right to freedom of belief and religion.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Law, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Belief is the faith of people expressed through rituals associated with traditional customs and practices to bring spiritual peace to individuals and communities.

2. Belief Activities are activities worshipping ancestors, sacred symbols; commemorating and honoring those who have made contributions to the country and community; folk rituals representing historical, cultural, and social moral values.

3. BELIEF FESTIVALS is a collective belief activity organized according to traditional rituals to meet the spiritual needs of the community.

4. Place of Worship is a place where the community conducts belief activities such as communal houses, temples, shrines, ancestral halls, and similar places.

5. Religion is the faith of people existing with a system of beliefs and activities including objects of worship, doctrines, laws, rituals, and organization.

6. Believer is a person who believes in and follows a religion and is recognized by that religious organization.

7. Religious Practitioner is a believer who has taken monastic vows and regularly leads a lifestyle according to religious doctrines, laws, and regulations of the religious organization.

8. Clergy is a believer appointed or elected by the religious organization to hold a position within the organization.

9. Religious Functionary is a person appointed, elected, or nominated by a religious organization, a subordinate religious organization, or an organization certified for religious activity registration to hold a position within the organization.

10. Religious Practice is the expression of religious faith, the practice of doctrines, laws, and religious rituals.

11. Religious Activities are activities spreading religion, religious practices, and managing religious organizations.

12. Religious Organization is a collection of believers, clergy, religious functionaries, and religious practitioners of a religion organized according to a specific structure recognized by the State to carry out religious activities.

13. Religious Organization Subordinate Organization

14. is an organization under a religious organization established according to its charter, regulations, and provisions. Religious Premises

15. include temples, churches, chapels, mosques, headquarters of religious organizations, and other legally recognized premises of religious organizations. Legally Recognized Location

16. Representative is land, housing, or construction that an organization or individual has the legal right to use according to the law.

Representative

is a person representing and being responsible before the law for collective belief activities, religious practices, and religious activities of a group or organization they represent.

Article 3. Responsibilities of the State in Ensuring Freedom of Belief and Religion

1. The State respects and protects the right to freedom of belief and religion of all people; ensures equality among religions before the law.

Article 4. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front

1. Mobilizing compatriots following beliefs and religions and those not following beliefs and religions to build a great national solidarity bloc and to build and defend the country.

2. Promptly reflecting the opinions, aspirations, and petitions of the people regarding issues related to beliefs and religions to competent state agencies.

3. Participating in drafting normative legal documents on beliefs and religions; providing social feedback on draft normative legal documents, plans, programs, and projects for socio-economic development by the State that are related to beliefs and religions as prescribed by law.

4. Participating in propaganda and mobilization to encourage religious officials, religious functionaries, monks, believers, followers of beliefs and religions, religious organizations, and the people to comply with laws on beliefs and religions.

5. Supervising the activities of agencies, organizations, elected representatives, and civil servants in implementing policies and laws on beliefs and religions.

Article 5. Prohibited acts

1. Discrimination and prejudice based on beliefs and religions.

2. Coercing, bribing, or obstructing others from following or not following beliefs and religions.

3. Insulting beliefs and religions.

4. Belief activities and religious activities:

a) Infringing upon national defense, security, sovereignty, public order, safety, and the environment;

b) Violating social morals; infringing upon physical integrity, health, life, property; insulting the dignity and personality of others;

c) Obstructing the exercise of citizens' rights and obligations;

d) Dividing ethnic groups; dividing religions; separating followers of beliefs and religions from non-followers of beliefs and religions, and between followers of different beliefs and religions.

5. Exploiting belief activities and religious activities for personal gain.

Chapter II

FREEDOM OF BELIEF AND RELIGION

Article 6. Freedom of belief and religion of all individuals

1. All individuals have the right to freedom of belief and religion, to follow or not follow any religion.

2. Each individual has the right to express their faith in beliefs and religions; to practice religious rituals; to participate in festivals; to study and practice religious doctrines and laws.

3. Each individual has the right to enter monastic life at religious facilities, to study at religious training institutions, and to attend religious training classes organized by religious organizations. Minors entering monastic life at religious facilities or studying at religious training institutions must obtain the consent of their parents or guardians.

4. Religious officials, religious functionaries, and monks have the right to perform religious rituals, preach, and propagate religion at religious facilities or other lawful locations.

5. Individuals under temporary detention, individuals under pre-trial detention as stipulated by law on the enforcement of temporary detention and pre-trial detention; individuals serving custodial sentences; individuals undergoing compulsory education at rehabilitation schools, compulsory educational centers, and compulsory drug rehabilitation centers have the right to use religious texts, and to express their faith in beliefs and religions.

6. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on ensuring the implementation of the rights specified in Clause 5 of this Article.

Article 7. Rights of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations

1. Engaging in religious activities according to the charter, statutes, and similar documents (hereinafter referred to collectively as the charter) of religious organizations.

2. Organizing religious activities.

3. Publishing religious scriptures and other publications about religion.

4. Producing, exporting, and importing religious cultural products and religious items.

5. Renovating, upgrading, and constructing new religious facilities.

6. Receiving lawful assets donated voluntarily by domestic organizations and individuals and foreign organizations and individuals.

7. Other rights as prescribed by this Law and other relevant laws.

Article 8. Freedom of Belief and Religion for Foreign Nationals Residing Legally in Vietnam

1. Foreign nationals residing legally in Vietnam shall be respected and protected by the Vietnamese State in their freedom of belief and religion.

2. Foreign nationals residing legally in Vietnam have the right to:

a) Engage in religious activities, participate in worship practices, and religious activities;

b) Use lawful locations for collective religious activities;

c) Invite clergy, religious workers, and religious practitioners who are Vietnamese citizens to perform religious rituals and preach; invite foreign clergy and religious practitioners to preach;

d) Enter monasteries for religious training, study at religious educational institutions, and attend religious education classes organized by religious organizations in Vietnam;

đ) Bring religious publications and religious items for the purpose of serving religious life in accordance with Vietnamese laws.

3. Foreign clergy and religious practitioners residing legally in Vietnam may preach at religious establishments or other lawful locations in Vietnam.

Article 9. Obligations of Organizations and Individuals in Exercising Freedom of Belief and Religion

1. Organizations and individuals participating in worship practices and religious activities must comply with the Constitution, this Law, and other relevant legal provisions.

2. Clergy, religious workers, religious practitioners, representatives, and management boards of worship sites have the responsibility to guide believers and participants in worship practices and religious activities to conduct such activities in accordance with the law.

Chapter III

BELIEF ACTIVITIES

Article 10. Principles for Organizing Worship Practices

1. Worship practices and religious festivals must ensure the preservation and promotion of the fine traditional cultural values of the nation.

2. The organization of worship practices and religious festivals must ensure public security, social order, social safety, thrift, and environmental protection.

Article 11. Representatives and Management Boards of Worship Sites

1. Worship sites must have representatives or management boards responsible for all activities conducted at the worship site under the law.

2. Representatives or members of the management board of worship sites must be Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in Vietnam, having full civil capacity, and being reputable within the community.

3. The People's Committee of the commune where the worship site is located shall cooperate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee at the same level to organize the community to elect representatives or members of the management board. Based on the election results and the conditions stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, the People's Committee of the commune shall issue a recognition document for the representative or member of the management board of the worship site within five working days from the date of the election.

4. The election of representatives or establishment of management boards for worship sites classified as historical-cultural relics or scenic spots shall be carried out in accordance with the law on cultural heritage.

5. The election of representatives or establishment of management boards for ancestral temples does not need to follow the provisions of Clause 3 of this Article.

Article 12. Registration of Worship Practices

1. Worship practices of worship sites must be registered, except for worship sites that are ancestral temples.

2. Representatives or management boards of worship sites are responsible for submitting registration documents to the People's Committee of the commune where the worship site is located at least thirty days before the worship site begins its worship practices, except as provided for in Article 14 of this Law. The registration document must clearly state the name of the worship site, the worship practices, content, scale, time, and location of the activities. The People's Committee of the commune has the responsibility to respond in writing within fifteen days from the date of receipt of a valid registration document; if refusing registration, it must provide specific reasons.

3. If worship practices are not included in the already registered document, representatives or management boards of worship sites must submit supplementary registration according to the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article at least twenty days before the commencement of the worship practice.

Article 13. Organizing Regular Religious Festivals

1. The representative or management board of a religious site shall be responsible for submitting a written notice to the competent state agency at least 20 days before the festival date regarding the organization of regular religious festivals, in accordance with the following provisions:

a) The People's Committee of the commune where the festival takes place shall be responsible for receiving notices for religious festivals organized within a single commune, ward, town (hereinafter referred to collectively as commune).

b) The People's Committee of the district where the festival takes place shall be responsible for receiving notices for religious festivals organized across multiple communes within a district, city district, town under province, or city under central municipality (hereinafter referred to collectively as district).

c) The People's Committee of the province where the festival takes place shall be responsible for receiving notices for religious festivals organized across multiple districts within a province or city under central municipality (hereinafter referred to collectively as province).

2. The notification document shall clearly specify the name of the religious festival, its content, scale, time, location, anticipated members of the organizing committee, and necessary conditions to ensure public order, social safety, and environmental protection during the festival.

3. The organization of regular religious festivals at religious sites that are historical-cultural relics or scenic spots already classified shall comply with the regulations on cultural heritage.

4. The competent state agencies specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the religious festival according to the contents of the notification.

Article 14. Organizing First-time Religious Festivals, Restored Religious Festivals, or Regular Religious Festivals with Changes

1. Before organizing a first-time religious festival, a restored religious festival after a period of interruption, or a regular religious festival with changes in scale, content, time, or location, the representative or management board of the religious site shall be responsible for sending a registration document to the People's Committee of the province where the festival will take place. The registration document shall clearly specify the name of the festival, its content or changes from previous content, scale, time, location, anticipated members of the organizing committee, and necessary conditions to ensure public order, social safety, and environmental protection during the festival.

2. The People's Committee of the province shall respond in writing within 30 days from the date of receipt of a valid registration document; in case of refusal to register, the reasons must be clearly stated.

Article 15. Management and Use of Revenue from Religious Festival Organization

1. The representative or management board of the religious site shall be responsible for managing and using revenue from the festival in accordance with its intended purpose, transparently, and publicly.

2. Within 20 days from the end of the festival, the representative or management board of the religious site shall be responsible for submitting a written report on the revenue and its intended use to the competent state agency specified in Clause 1 of Article 13 of this Law.

Chapter IV

REGISTRATION OF CONCENTRATED RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES, REGISTRATION OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Article 16. Conditions for Registration of Concentrated Religious Activities

1. Religious organizations shall register concentrated religious activities for believers in places not yet meeting the conditions for establishing affiliated religious organizations; organizations granted registration certificates for religious activities shall register concentrated religious activities for members of their organization when they meet the following conditions:

a) Having a lawful venue for religious activities;

b) The concentrated religious activity group has a representative who is a Vietnamese citizen residing in Vietnam, fully capable of civil acts; not currently subject to administrative measures in the field of beliefs and religions; without criminal records or not being a person currently charged according to the Criminal Procedure Code;

c) The content of religious activities does not fall under the cases stipulated in Article 5 of this Law.

2. Individuals belonging to religions not covered by Clause 1 of this Article may register concentrated religious activities when they meet the conditions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following additional conditions:

a) Having religious doctrines and laws;

b) The name of the concentrated religious activity group does not duplicate the name of a religious organization or an organization granted a registration certificate for religious activities, nor the name of a political organization, political-social organization, or the name of a national hero or distinguished figure.

Article 17. Procedure, formalities, and authority for approving registration of concentrated religious activities

1. Religious organizations, organizations that have been granted registration certificates for religious activities, or representatives of groups of believers in cases stipulated in Clause 2, Article 16 of this Law shall submit registration files for concentrated religious activities to the People's Committee of the commune where there is a legitimate location for religious activities.

2. Contents of the registration documents

a) The registration document clearly states the name of the registering organization; the name of the religion; the full name and place of residence of the representative; the content, location, and time of religious activities; the number of participants.

b) Documents proving the existence of a legitimate location for religious activities.

c) Curriculum vitae of the representative of the group conducting concentrated religious activities.

d) A summary of religious doctrine and laws for registrations as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 16 of this Law.

3. The People's Committee of the commune has the responsibility to respond in writing within twenty days from the date of receiving all valid registration files; in case of refusal, the reasons must be clearly stated.

Article 18. Conditions for organizations to be granted registration certificates for religious activities

Organizations will be granted registration certificates for religious activities when they meet the following conditions:

1. Having religious doctrine, laws, and rituals;

2. Having objectives, purposes, and operational regulations that do not contravene the provisions of the law;

3. The name of the organization does not duplicate the name of a religious organization or an organization that has been granted a registration certificate for religious activities, the name of a political organization, a political-social organization, or the name of a distinguished person or national hero;

4. The representative and leader of the organization are Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam, having full civil capacity; not being subject to administrative measures in the field of belief and religion; having no criminal record or not being a person currently charged according to the Criminal Procedure Law;

5. Having a legitimate location for the headquarters;

6. The content of religious activities does not fall under the cases stipulated in Article 5 of this Law.

Article 19. Procedure, formalities, and authority for issuing registration certificates for religious activities

1. Organizations meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 18 of this Law shall submit registration files for religious activities to the competent state agency as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. Contents of the registration documents

a) The registration document clearly states the name of the organization; the name of the religion; objectives and purposes; content and scope of activities; origin and development process in Vietnam; the full name of the organizational representative; the number of followers; organizational structure, and the proposed location for the headquarters.

b) List, curriculum vitae, judicial background forms, and a summary of the religious activity history of the representative and those expected to lead the organization.

c) A summary of religious doctrine, laws, and rituals.

d) Organizational operational regulations.

đ) Documents proving the existence of a legitimate location for the headquarters.

3. Authority for issuing registration certificates for religious activities:

a) The specialized agency under the Provincial People's Committee responsible for state management of beliefs and religions (hereinafter referred to as the provincial specialized agency on beliefs and religions) shall issue registration certificates for religious activities for organizations operating in one province within sixty days from the date of receiving all valid files; in case of refusal to issue the registration certificate, the reasons must be clearly stated.

b) The central-level agency managing state affairs related to beliefs and religions shall issue registration certificates for religious activities for organizations operating in multiple provinces within sixty days from the date of receiving all valid files; in case of refusal to issue the registration certificate, the reasons must be clearly stated.

Article 20. Activities of organizations after being granted registration certificates for religious activities

1. Organizations that have been granted registration certificates for religious activities may carry out the following activities:

a) Organizing religious ceremonies, religious activities, preaching, and religious education;

b) Appointing, electing, and nominating religious positions;

c) Repairing and renovating headquarters;

d) Participating in charitable and humanitarian activities;

đ) Organizing congresses to adopt charters.

2. When implementing the activities specified in Clause 1 of this Article, organizations must comply with the provisions of this Law and other relevant laws.

Chapter V

 RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1

RECOGNITION OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS; ESTABLISHMENT, DIVISION, SEPARATION, MERGER, AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBORDINATE RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Article 21. Conditions for recognition of religious organizations

An organization that has been granted a registration certificate for religious activities shall be recognized as a religious organization when it meets the following conditions:

1. Engaging in stable and continuous activities for at least five years from the date of issuance of the registration certificate for religious activities;

2. Having a charter as prescribed in Article 23 of this Law;

3. The representative and leader of the organization are Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam, having full civil capacity; not currently subject to administrative measures in the field of belief and religion; having no criminal record or not being a person currently under investigation according to the Criminal Procedure Law;

4. Having an organizational structure as stipulated in the charter;

5. Having independent assets separate from individuals and other organizations and bearing responsibility with its own assets;

6. Independently participating in legal relations in the name of the organization.

Article 22. Procedures, formalities, and authority for recognizing religious organizations

1. An organization meeting the conditions prescribed in Article 21 of this Law shall submit a request for recognition of a religious organization to the competent state agency as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. The application package includes:

a) A request letter clearly stating the name of the organization requesting recognition, international trade name (if any); religious denomination; name and surname of the organization's representative; number of followers, operational area of the organization at the time of application; organizational structure, headquarters of the organization;

b) A summary of the organization's activities since obtaining the registration certificate for religious activities;

c) List, brief resumes, judicial records, summaries of religious activities of the representative and those expected to lead the organization;

d) Summary of doctrines, religious laws, rituals;

đ) Charter of the organization;

e) Declaration of legal assets of the organization;

g) Documents proving a lawful location for the headquarters.

3. Authority for recognizing religious organizations:

a) The provincial People's Committee decides on the recognition of religious organizations for organizations operating within one province within sixty days from the date of receipt of complete and valid applications; if not recognized, the reasons must be clearly stated;

b) The central state management agency for beliefs and religions decides on the recognition of religious organizations for organizations operating across multiple provinces within sixty days from the date of receipt of complete and valid applications; if not recognized, the reasons must be clearly stated.

Article 23. Charter of religious organizations

The charter of religious organizations contains the following basic contents:

1. Name of the organization;

2. Purpose, objectives, principles of operation;

3. Operational area, main headquarters;

4. Finance, assets;

5. Legal representative, seal design;

6. Functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the religious organization and subordinate religious organizations;

7. Tasks, powers of the leadership board of the religious organization and subordinate religious organizations;

8. Conditions, standards, authority, methods of conferring titles, appointing, electing, nominating, transferring, dismissing, and removing religious officials and clerics;

9. Conditions, authority, methods of dissolving the religious organization; establishing, dividing, separating, merging, consolidating, and dissolving subordinate religious organizations;

10. Organization of meetings, congresses; procedures for adopting decisions, amending, and supplementing the charter; principles and methods for resolving internal disputes of the organization;

11. Relations between the religious organization and subordinate religious organizations, between the religious organization and related organizations and individuals.

Article 24. Amending the charter

1. Religious organizations must register with the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 22 of this Law when amending their charter. The registration document shall clearly state the name of the religious organization, the representative, the content, and the reasons for the amendment along with the amended charter.

2. The competent state agency has the responsibility to respond in writing within thirty days from the date of receiving a valid registration document; in case of refusal to register, the reasons must be clearly stated.

3. Religious organizations may operate according to the amended charter from the date of approval by the competent state agency.

Article 25. Name of religious organizations

1. Religious organizations must have a name in Vietnamese.

2. The name of a religious organization shall not duplicate the name of another religious organization or other organization that has been registered for religious activities, the name of political organizations, political-social organizations, or the name of celebrities or national heroes.

3. The name of a religious organization is used in relations with other organizations and individuals.

4. The name of a religious organization is recognized and protected by law.

5. Any change in the name of a religious organization must be approved by the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 22 of this Law.

6. When subordinate religious organizations change their names, the parent religious organization is responsible for requesting approval from the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 29 of this Law.

Article 26. Changing the headquarters of religious organizations

1. When changing the headquarters, religious organizations must obtain the approval of the People's Committee of the province where the new headquarters is located and notify in writing the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 22 of this Law.

2. When subordinate religious organizations change their headquarters, they must obtain the approval of the People's Committee of the province where the new headquarters is located and notify in writing the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 29 of this Law.

Article 27. Establishment, division, separation, merger, and consolidation of subordinate religious organizations

1. Religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations can establish subordinate religious organizations; divide or separate subordinate religious organizations into multiple new subordinate religious organizations; merge subordinate religious organizations into another subordinate religious organization; consolidate several subordinate religious organizations into a new subordinate religious organization.

2. After division, the subordinate religious organization being divided ceases to exist; the rights and obligations of the subordinate religious organization being divided are transferred to the newly established subordinate religious organizations.

3. After separation, the separated subordinate religious organization and the newly formed subordinate religious organization perform their rights and obligations in accordance with their purposes of operation.

4. After merger, the subordinate religious organization being merged ceases to exist; the rights and obligations of the subordinate religious organization being merged are transferred to the subordinate religious organization into which it was merged.

5. After consolidation, the old subordinate religious organizations cease to exist from the date of establishment of the new subordinate religious organization; the rights and obligations of the old subordinate religious organizations are transferred to the new subordinate religious organization.

Article 28. Conditions for establishment, division, separation, merger, and consolidation of subordinate religious organizations

Religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations may establish, divide, separate, merge, or consolidate subordinate religious organizations when meeting the following conditions:

1. The charter of the religious organization must provide for the establishment, division, separation, merger, and consolidation of subordinate religious organizations;

2. The activities of the subordinate religious organization before division, separation, merger, or consolidation do not fall under the cases stipulated in Article 5 of this Law;

3. There is a lawful location to set up the headquarters.

Article 29. Procedures, formalities, and authority for approving the establishment, division, separation, merger, and consolidation of subordinate religious organizations

1. Prior to establishing, dividing, separating, merging, or consolidating subordinate religious organizations, religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations have the responsibility to submit application files to the competent state agency as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. The application package includes:

a) The application document clearly states the reasons; the name of the requesting organization; the proposed name of the subordinate religious organization to be established; the names of the organizations and representatives before and after division, separation, merger, or consolidation; the operational area and number of followers of the subordinate religious organization at the time of establishment; the operational area and number of followers of the subordinate religious organization before and after division, separation, merger, or consolidation; organizational structure and the proposed location for setting up the headquarters of the subordinate religious organization after establishment, division, separation, merger, or consolidation;

b) A summary of the operational process of the subordinate religious organization before division, separation, merger, or consolidation;

c) A list, brief resumes, criminal background checks, and summaries of religious activities of the representative and those expected to lead the subordinate religious organization;

d) The charter of the subordinate religious organization (if applicable);

đ) An inventory of lawful assets of the subordinate religious organization;

e) Documents proving the existence of a lawful location to set up the headquarters.

3. Authority to approve the establishment, division, separation, merger, and consolidation of subordinate religious organizations:

a) The People's Committee of the province has the responsibility to respond in writing regarding the establishment, division, separation, merger, or consolidation of subordinate religious organizations operating within one province within 60 days from the date of receiving complete valid files; if disapproval is given, the reasons must be clearly stated;

b) The central-level state management agency on beliefs and religions has the responsibility to respond in writing regarding the establishment, division, separation, merger, or consolidation of subordinate religious organizations operating across multiple provinces within 60 days from the date of receiving complete valid files; if disapproval is given, the reasons must be clearly stated.

4. After being approved by the competent state agency, religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations shall issue documents for the establishment, division, separation, merger, or consolidation of subordinate religious organizations. If, within one year from the date of approval by the competent state agency, the religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations do not establish, divide, separate, merge, or consolidate subordinate religious organizations, then the approval document becomes invalid.

Article 30. Legal personality of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations

1. Religious organizations shall be non-profit legal entities from the date they are recognized by the competent state agency.

2. Religious organizations may request the competent state agency specified in Clause 3, Article 29 of this Law to register non-profit legal status for affiliated religious organizations when meeting the conditions stipulated in Clauses 5 and 6, Article 21 of this Law.

3. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on the procedures and formalities for registering legal status for affiliated religious organizations.

Article 31. Dissolution of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations

1. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall be dissolved in the following cases:

a) As provided for in the charter;

b) Not engaging in religious activities for a period of one year from the date of recognition or approval of establishment, division, separation, merger, or consolidation by the competent state agency, or ceasing religious activities continuously for one year;

c) Exceeding the suspension period for all religious activities without remedying the causes leading to such suspension.

2. The competent state agency recognizing religious organizations has the right to dissolve religious organizations. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations have the right to dissolve affiliated religious organizations. The competent state agency specified in Clause 3, Article 29 of this Law has the right to dissolve or require religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations to dissolve affiliated religious organizations in the cases specified in points b and c, Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Prior to dissolution, religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations must fulfill their obligations regarding property. Property of dissolved religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall be handled according to the provisions of civil law. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations are responsible for notifying the competent state agency specified in Clause 3, Article 29 of this Law about the dissolution of affiliated religious organizations no later than twenty days from the date of dissolution of the affiliated religious organization.

4. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on the procedures and formalities for dissolving religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations.

Section 2

SACRAMENT, APPOINTMENT, ELECTION, DEPOSITION, TRANSFER, REMOVAL FROM OFFICE, DISMISSAL OF OFFICE, POSITION, MONKHOOD

Article 32. Sacrament, appointment, election, deposition of religious officials and positions

1. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall implement sacrament, appointment, election, and deposition according to the charter of the religious organization.

2. Persons receiving sacrament, appointment, election, or deposition must have full capacity for civil acts; not within the period of being subject to administrative sanctions in the field of belief and religion; not having a criminal record or not being a person currently under criminal prosecution as prescribed by criminal procedure law.

3. Sacrament, appointment, election, and deposition involving foreign elements shall be carried out according to the provisions of Article 51 of this Law.

Article 33. Notification of persons receiving sacrament or election to religious office

1. Religious organizations shall be responsible for notifying in writing to the central state management agency for beliefs and religions about persons receiving sacrament or election to the position of abbot, senior monk, nun leader, senior nun of the Vietnam Buddhist Church; pastor of Protestant organizations; superior priest and above of Cao Dai Churches; senior lecturer and above of the Vietnamese Pure Land Lay Buddhists Association and equivalent positions in other religious organizations no later than twenty days from the date of sacrament or election.

2. For cases of sacrament or election to religious offices not covered by Clause 1 of this Article, religious organizations shall be responsible for notifying in writing to the specialized agency for beliefs and religions at the provincial level where the religious official resides and engages in religious activities no later than twenty days from the date of sacrament or election.

3. The notification document shall clearly state the name of the religious organization, surname and given name, rank, area of activity, summary of religious activity history accompanied by a brief curriculum vitae and judicial record of the religious official.

4. In case the person receiving sacrament or election to religious office does not meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 2, Article 32 of this Law, the competent state agency shall issue a written request for the religious organization to cancel the result of sacrament or election to religious office. Within twenty days from the date of receipt of the request, the religious organization shall be responsible for canceling the result of sacrament or election to religious office and shall notify in writing the cancellation of the result to the competent state agency specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

Article 34. Registration of Appointed, Elected, or Chosen Religious Positions

1. Religious organizations shall be responsible for submitting registration files to the state management agency on belief and religion at the central level before appointing, electing, or choosing the following positions:

a) Members of the leadership board of religious organizations operating in multiple provinces;

b) Heads of subordinate religious organizations operating in multiple provinces;

c) Heads of religious training institutions.

2. In cases not covered by Clause 1 of this Article, religious organizations and their subordinate organizations shall be responsible for submitting application files to the specialized agency on belief and religion of the provincial government where the position resides and operates before carrying out the appointment, election, or choice of positions.

3. Organizations that have been granted registration certificates for religious activities shall be responsible for submitting registration files to the competent state authority specified in Clause 3 of Article 19 of this Law before carrying out the appointment, election, or choice of positions.

4. The registration file includes:

a) A registration document clearly stating the name of the person proposed for appointment, election, or choice; the rank, position, and area of responsibility before and after the appointment, election, or choice;

b) Curriculum vitae and judicial background form of the person proposed for appointment, election, or choice;

c) Summary of the religious activity process of the person proposed for appointment, election, or choice.

5. The competent state authority specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article shall be responsible for responding in writing within twenty days from the date of receipt of complete and valid files; in case of refusal to register, the reasons must be clearly stated.

6. Religious organizations, subordinate religious organizations, and organizations that have been granted registration certificates for religious activities shall be responsible for notifying in writing about the appointed, elected, or chosen person to the competent state authority specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article and Clause 3 of Article 19 of this Law no later than twenty days from the date of appointment, election, or choice.

7. For persons expected to lead organizations as stipulated in Articles 19, 22, 29, and 38 of this Law, after being approved by the competent state authority, they shall only notify the results of the appointment, election, or choice according to Clause 6 of this Article.

Article 35. Transfer of Religious Clergy, Positions, or Monastics

1. Religious organizations and their subordinate organizations shall be responsible for notifying in writing to the specialized agency on belief and religion of the provincial government where the transfer is from and to no later than twenty days before transferring religious clergy, positions, or monastics. The notification document shall clearly state the name of the notifying organization, the name, rank, and position of the person to be transferred, the reason for the transfer, the religious activity area before the transfer, and the religious activity area after the transfer.

2. Before transferring religious clergy, positions, or monastics who are currently under criminal charges or have not yet had their criminal records expunged, religious organizations and their subordinate organizations shall be responsible for submitting registration documents to the People's Committee of the province where the transfer is planned. The registration document shall clearly state the name of the registering organization, the name, rank, and position of the person to be transferred, the reason for the transfer, the religious activity area before the transfer, and the religious activity area after the transfer. The People's Committee of the province shall be responsible for responding in writing within thirty days from the date of receipt of the registration document; in case of refusal to register, the reasons must be clearly stated.

Article 36. Removal from office and dismissal of religious dignitaries and officials

1. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations remove from office and dismiss religious dignitaries and officials according to their charter.

2. Within no more than twenty days from the date of receiving the document on removal from office or dismissal, religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall have the responsibility to notify in writing to the state agencies with authority as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 33 and Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 34 of this Law. The notification document shall clearly state the name, title, and position of the person removed from office or dismissed, along with the reasons for such actions, accompanied by the document of the religious organization or affiliated religious organization regarding the removal from office or dismissal.

3. The organization that has been granted registration for religious activities shall have the responsibility to notify in writing according to the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article to the state agency with authority as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 19 of this Law.

Section 3

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, RELIGIOUS ENRICHMENT CLASSES

Article 37. Conditions for establishing religious education institutions

A religious organization may establish a religious education institution when it meets the following conditions:

1. Having material facilities to ensure educational activities;

2. Having a legal location to set up the religious education institution;

3. Having a curriculum and content for training, including courses on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese law;

4. Having management and teaching staff meeting the requirements for training.

Article 38. Procedures, formalities, and authority for approving the establishment of religious education institutions

1. Prior to establishing a religious education institution, the religious organization shall be responsible for submitting the application dossier to the central state management agency for beliefs and religions.

2. The application package includes:

a) The application document for establishing a religious education institution shall clearly state the name of the religious organization, the name of the religious education institution, the name of the representative of the religious education institution, and the necessity of establishing the religious education institution;

b) List, brief resumes, criminal background check forms, summaries of religious activity histories of the representative and those expected to lead the religious education institution;

c) Draft regulations on the organization and operation of the religious education institution including basic contents: name of the religious education institution; location of the headquarters; functions and tasks; organizational structure and personnel; level and type of training; curriculum, content of instruction, and training standards for each level of training; finance and assets;

d) Draft admission regulations of the religious education institution;

đ) Documents proving a legal location and material facilities to ensure educational activities; approval opinion of the People's Committee of the province regarding the location of the religious education institution.

3. The central state management agency for beliefs and religions shall be responsible for replying in writing about the establishment of the religious education institution within sixty days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier; in case of non-approval, the reasons must be clearly stated.

4. After being approved by the competent state agency, the religious organization shall issue a document establishing the religious education institution. If the religious organization does not establish the religious education institution within three years from the date of approval by the competent state agency, the approval document will become invalid.

Religious education institutions do not belong to the national education system.

Article 39. Activities of religious training institutions

1. At least twenty days before the commencement of activities, the representative of the religious training institution shall be responsible for notifying in writing to the central state management agency on beliefs and religions about the activities of the religious training institution along with the establishment document, organizational and operational regulations, admission regulations, list of leadership members, financial and physical resource reports to ensure operations.

2. The organization of training and admissions at religious training institutions shall be carried out according to the organizational and operational regulations and admission regulations that have been notified.

3. When amending the organizational and operational regulations and admission regulations, the religious training institution must register with the central state management agency on beliefs and religions. The registration document clearly states the reasons, contents of changes, and includes the amended regulations. The competent authority has the responsibility to reply in writing within forty-five days from the date of receiving a valid registration document; in cases where approval is not granted, the reasons must be clearly stated. The religious training institution may operate under the amended regulations after obtaining approval from the competent authority.

4. The religious training institution is responsible for notifying in writing about the results of each course to the central state management agency on beliefs and religions no later than twenty days from the end of the course. The notification document clearly states the name of the religious training institution, the training course, and the number of graduates.

5. The study of foreigners at religious training institutions in Vietnam shall be implemented in accordance with Article 49 of this Law.

Article 40. Guidance on curricula and content of courses on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese law

The central state management agency on beliefs and religions shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Justice, and relevant agencies to guide the curricula and content of courses on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese law.

Article 41. Conducting religious training classes

1. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations conducting religious training classes for those specializing in religious activities shall submit a registration document to the specialized agency on beliefs and religions of the provincial level where the class is held. The registration document shall clearly state the class name, location, reason, duration, content, program, participants, and instructor list. The specialized agency on beliefs and religions of the provincial level shall be responsible for replying in writing within thirty days from the date of receiving a valid registration document; in cases where registration is refused, the reasons must be clearly stated.

2. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations conducting religious training classes not covered by Clause 1 of this Article shall notify in writing to the People's Committee of the district where the class is held no later than twenty days before the opening day. The notification document shall clearly state the class name, location, reason, duration, content, program, participants, and instructor list. In cases where the conduct of religious training classes involves acts stipulated in Article 5 of this Law, the People's Committee of the district shall issue a document requesting the religious organization or affiliated religious organization not to organize or stop the conduct of the training class.

Article 42. Dissolution of Religious Training Institutions

1. A religious training institution shall be dissolved in the following cases:

a) By decision of the religious organization;

b) Three years from the date the competent state agency approves its establishment, if the religious training institution does not organize any training activities;

c) After the suspension period for training activities has expired without addressing the causes leading to such suspension.

2. The religious organization has the right to dissolve the religious training institution. The central state management agency on belief and religion has the right to dissolve or request the religious organization to dissolve the religious training institution in the cases specified in points b and c of Clause 1 of this Article. The religious organization is responsible for notifying the central state management agency on belief and religion about the dissolution of the religious training institution no later than twenty days from the date of dissolution.

3. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on the procedures and formalities for dissolving religious training institutions.

Chapter VI

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES; PUBLICATION, EDUCATION, HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE, CHARITY AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1

OF LOCAL RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Article 43. Notification of Religious Activity Programs

1. Religious organizations, subordinate religious organizations, and organizations granted registration certificates for religious activities have the responsibility to notify in writing about their annual religious activity programs no later than thirty days from the date they are recognized, approved, or granted registration certificates for religious activities according to the following provisions:

a) Organizations with religious activity areas in one commune shall notify the People's Committee of that commune;

b) Organizations with religious activity areas in several communes within one district shall notify the People's Committee of that district;

c) Organizations with religious activity areas in several districts within one province shall notify the specialized agency on belief and religion of that province;

d) Organizations with religious activity areas in several provinces shall notify the central state management agency on belief and religion.

2. The notification document shall clearly state the name of the organization, the names of the religious activities, the time and location of the activities.

3. The notification of the annual religious activity program shall only be carried out once. For religious activities not included in the notified program, the representative of the organization shall have the responsibility to provide supplementary notifications according to the provisions of Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article no later than twenty days before the activity takes place.

Article 44. Meetings of Religious Organizations and Subordinate Religious Organizations

1. Religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations organizing annual meetings shall notify in writing to the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 45 of this Law no later than twenty days before the meeting date. The notification document shall clearly state the name of the organization; the anticipated composition and number of participants; the content, program, time, and location of the meeting.

2. Religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations organizing inter-religious meetings or meetings involving foreign elements shall submit a written request to the central state management agency on belief and religion. The request document shall clearly state the name of the organization; the reasons for organizing the meeting; the anticipated composition and number of participants; the content, program, time, and location of the meeting. The central state management agency on belief and religion shall respond in writing within forty-five days from the date of receipt of a valid request document; in case of non-approval, the reasons must be stated.

Article 45. Religious Organization Congresses

1. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, and organizations granted registration certificates for religious activities shall be responsible for submitting application files to the competent state agencies as specified in Clause 3 of this Article before organizing congresses.

2. The application package includes:

a) The application document shall clearly state the name of the organization; reasons for organizing the congress; anticipated composition and number of participants; content, program, time, and location of the congress.

b) A report summarizing the organization's activities.

c) Draft charter or amended charter (if applicable).

3. Competent authority to approve the organization of congresses:

a) The People's Committee of the district shall be responsible for responding in writing to the organization of congresses of affiliated religious organizations operating within one district within 25 days from the date of receiving complete valid files; if disapproval is given, the reasons must be clearly stated.

b) The specialized agency on beliefs and religions at the provincial level shall be responsible for responding in writing to the organization of congresses of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, and organizations granted registration certificates for religious activities operating across multiple districts within one province within 30 days from the date of receiving complete valid files; if disapproval is given, the reasons must be clearly stated.

c) For the organization of congresses not covered under points a and b of Clause 3 of this Article, the central state management agency on beliefs and religions shall be responsible for responding in writing within 45 days from the date of receiving complete valid files; if disapproval is given, the reasons must be clearly stated.

Article 46. Religious Ceremonies and Sermons Outside Registered Religious Sites and Legal Locations

1. Before organizing a ceremony outside registered religious sites and legal locations, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, and organizations granted registration certificates for religious activities shall be responsible for submitting an application document to the competent state agencies as specified in Clause 3 of this Article. The application document shall clearly state the name of the requesting organization, the name of the ceremony, the person in charge, content, program, time, location, scale, and composition of participants.

2. Before preaching outside their jurisdictional areas, religious sites, and legal locations, religious officials, religious workers, and monks/nuns shall be responsible for submitting an application document to the competent state agencies as specified in Clause 3 of this Article. The application document shall clearly state the name of the applicant, content, reason, program, time, location, and composition of participants.

3. Competent authority to approve the organization of ceremonies and sermons outside registered religious sites and legal locations:

a) The People's Committee of the district shall be responsible for responding in writing regarding the organization of ceremonies and sermons with a scale organized within one district within 25 days from the date of receiving a valid application document; if disapproval is given, the reasons must be clearly stated.

b) The specialized agency on beliefs and religions at the provincial level where the ceremony or sermon is planned to be held shall be responsible for responding in writing regarding the organization of ceremonies and sermons with a scale organized across multiple districts within one province or across multiple provinces within 30 days from the date of receiving a valid application document; if disapproval is given, the reasons must be clearly stated.

4. The competent state authority where the ceremony or sermon is organized shall be responsible for supporting the security and order of the ceremony or sermon.

Section 2

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES WITH FOREIGN ELEMENTS

Article 47. Concentrated Religious Activities of Foreign Nationals Legally Residing in Vietnam

1. Foreign nationals legally residing in Vietnam who wish to conduct concentrated religious activities at religious facilities or other lawful locations shall submit application documents to the People's Committee of the province where the religious facility or proposed activity location is situated.

2. The application package includes:

a) The application document must clearly state the name, nationality, and religion of the representative; the reasons, duration, content of the religious activities, number of participants, and the proposed religious facility or activity location.

b) Certified copy of documents proving the representative’s lawful residence in Vietnam;

c) A document agreeing to the activity from the representative of the religious facility or proof of having a lawful location for conducting concentrated religious activities.

3. The People's Committee of the province shall be responsible for responding in writing within thirty days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents; if not approved, the reasons must be clearly stated.

Article 48. Religious Activities and International Relations Activities Related to Religion of Foreign Organizations and Individuals in Vietnam

1. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, prior to inviting foreign organizations or individuals to Vietnam to carry out religious activities or international relations activities related to religion, shall have the responsibility to submit application documents to the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. The application package includes:

a) The application document must clearly state the name of the inviting organization; the name of the invited organization or individual; the purpose, content of the activities; list of invitees; proposed program, time, and location of the event.

b) A brief introduction of the main activities of the foreign organization or individual.

c) A document proving the religious position of the invited person.

3. Competence to Approve Religious Activities and International Relations Activities Related to Religion of Foreign Organizations and Individuals in Vietnam:

a) The People's Committee of the province shall be responsible for responding in writing regarding the invitation of foreign organizations or individuals to Vietnam to conduct religious activities in one province within thirty days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents; if not approved, the reasons must be clearly stated.

b) The central state management agency on beliefs and religions shall be responsible for responding in writing regarding the invitation of foreign organizations or individuals to Vietnam to conduct religious activities in multiple provinces or international relations activities related to religion within forty-five days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents; if not approved, the reasons must be clearly stated.

4. Organizations granted registration certificates for religious activities that invite foreign clergy or religious practitioners to preach shall have the responsibility to submit application documents to the competent state agency as stipulated in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article.

5. Groups of foreign nationals conducting concentrated religious activities that invite foreign clergy or religious practitioners to preach shall have the responsibility to submit application documents as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article to the central state management agency on beliefs and religions. The central state management agency on beliefs and religions shall be responsible for responding in writing within forty-five days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents; if not approved, the reasons must be clearly stated.

6. During preaching, foreign clergy or religious practitioners must respect the regulations of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, and organizations granted registration certificates for religious activities in Vietnam, and comply with Vietnamese laws.

Article 49. Foreign nationals studying at religious training institutions in Vietnam

1. Foreign nationals studying at religious training institutions in Vietnam must be legally residing in Vietnam, comply with Vietnamese laws, voluntarily register to study, and have their application submitted by the religious training institution to the central state management agency for beliefs and religions.

2. The application package includes:

a) The application document clearly states the name of the religious training institution; the full name, nationality of the applicant, course, and duration of study.

b) A certified Vietnamese translation of the applicant's passport.

c) The central state management agency for beliefs and religions has the responsibility to respond in writing within forty-five days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents; in cases where approval is not granted, the reasons must be specified.

Article 50. Participation in religious activities and religious training abroad

1. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations before sending clergy, religious workers, monks, or believers to participate in religious activities and religious training abroad shall be responsible for submitting application documents to the central state management agency for beliefs and religions.

2. The application package includes:

a) The application document clearly states the name of the organization, purpose, program, time, and location of religious activities and training abroad.

b) An invitation letter or a document approving participation in religious activities and training issued by a foreign religious organization.

3. The central state management agency for beliefs and religions has the responsibility to respond in writing within forty-five days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents; in cases where approval is not granted, the reasons must be specified.

Article 51. Ordination, appointment, election, and selection involving foreign elements

1. Ordination, appointment, election, and selection involving foreign elements include the following cases:

a) Vietnamese religious organizations ordain or elect positions for foreign nationals legally residing in Vietnam.

b) Foreign religious organizations ordain, appoint, elect, or select Vietnamese citizens in Vietnam.

2. The person proposed for ordination, appointment, election, or selection must meet the conditions stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 32 of this Law. Foreign nationals legally residing in Vietnam proposed for ordination or election of positions must also meet the following conditions:

a) Having been trained in a religious training institution in Vietnam.

b) Complying with Vietnamese laws.

3. The ordination, appointment, election, or selection involving foreign elements as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article must be approved in advance by the central state management agency for beliefs and religions.

4. Vietnamese citizens ordained, appointed, elected, or selected by foreign religious organizations abroad who then serve as clergy or religious workers in Vietnam shall have the affiliated religious organization or directly managing organization responsible for registering with the central state management agency for beliefs and religions.

5. The Government shall specify in detail the procedures and formalities for approving and registering the ordination, appointment, election, or selection involving foreign elements as prescribed in this Article.

Article 52. International relations activities of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, clergy, religious workers, monks, and believers

1. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, clergy, religious workers, monks, and believers carry out international relations activities in accordance with the charter of the religious organization, consistent with Vietnamese laws.

2. When carrying out international relations activities, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, clergy, religious workers, monks, and believers must comply with Vietnamese laws and the laws of the relevant countries.

Article 53. Joining foreign religious organizations

1. Before joining a foreign religious organization, a religious organization shall be responsible for submitting a request file to the state management agency on beliefs and religions at the central level.

2. The application package includes:

a) The request document shall clearly state the name of the religious organization, purpose, time of joining; the name, charter, tenets, purpose of activities, main office of the foreign religious organization;

b) The approval document or invitation document from the foreign religious organization.

3. The state management agency on beliefs and religions at the central level shall be responsible for replying in writing within sixty days from the date of receiving complete valid files; in case of non-approval, the reasons must be clearly stated.

4. When terminating participation in a foreign religious organization, the religious organization shall be responsible for notifying in writing to the state management agency on beliefs and religions at the central level no later than twenty days from the termination date. The notification document shall clearly state the name of the religious organization, the name of the foreign religious organization joined, the reason for termination, and the start date of termination.

Section 3

ACTIVITIES IN THE PUBLISHING, EDUCATION, HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE, CHARITY AND HUMANITARIAN SECTORS

Article 54. Publishing, production, export, import of cultural products

Activities in publishing religious books and other publications on beliefs and religions; producing, exporting, importing cultural products on beliefs and religions, religious items shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on publishing and other relevant laws.

Article 55. Education, health, social welfare, charity and humanitarian activities

Participation in education, training, health, social welfare, charity and humanitarian activities shall be conducted in accordance with relevant laws.

Chapter VII

ASSETS OF BELIEF FACILITIES AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Article 56. Management and use of assets of belief facilities and religious organizations

1. Assets of belief facilities and religious organizations include assets formed from contributions of members of the organization; donations, gifts from organizations and individuals or other sources in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Assets of belief facilities and religious organizations must be managed and used for their intended purposes and in compliance with the provisions of the law.

3. Belief facilities and religious facilities established according to custom, contributed, donated, or given collectively by community members or from other sources in accordance with the law for serving the community's belief and religious needs are communal property of the community.

4. The transfer, assignment, gift, lease, mortgage, and capital contribution of assets through land use rights shall be implemented in accordance with the relevant laws.

5. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on the procedures for religious organizations and subordinate religious organizations to receive and manage financial support from foreign organizations and individuals; fundraising activities of belief facilities, religious organizations, and subordinate religious organizations.

Article 57. Land for belief facilities, land for religious facilities

Land for belief facilities and religious facilities shall be managed and used in accordance with the laws on land.

Article 58. Renovation, upgrading, and new construction of belief structures and religious structures

1. Renovation, upgrading, and new construction of belief structures and religious structures shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on construction.

2. Renovation, upgrading, and new construction of auxiliary structures belonging to belief facilities and religious facilities shall be conducted in accordance with the laws on construction for individual buildings constructed in urban areas, town centers, conservation zones, historical-cultural and revolutionary sites.

3. Restoration and recovery of belief facilities and religious facilities that are historical-cultural relics and scenic spots already ranked by competent state authorities; renovation, upgrading, and new construction of auxiliary structures belonging to these facilities shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on cultural heritage and construction laws.

Article 59. Relocation of Belief Structures and Religious Structures

The relocation of belief structures and religious structures for national defense, security, economic and social development purposes, and for the benefit of the nation and the public shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on land and construction.

Chapter VIII

STATE MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF VIOLATIONS OF LAWS IN THE FIELD OF BELIEF AND RELIGION

Section 1

STATE MANAGEMENT OF BELIEF AND RELIGION

Article 60. Contents of State Management of Belief and Religion

1. Developing policies and promulgating regulatory legal documents on belief and religion.

2. Specifying the organizational structure for state management of belief and religion.

3. Implementing policies and laws on belief and religion.

4. Popularizing and educating about laws on belief and religion.

5. Conducting research in the field of belief and religion; training and enhancing cadres, civil servants, and employees engaged in belief and religion work.

6. Inspecting, supervising, handling complaints, denunciations, and enforcing violations of laws on belief and religion.

7. International relations in the field of belief and religion.

Article 61. Responsibilities for State Management of Belief and Religion

1. The Government uniformly manages state affairs regarding belief and religion throughout the country.

2. Central-level state management agencies on belief and religion are responsible to the Government for implementing state management of belief and religion.

3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and People's Committees at all levels within their respective duties and authorities shall implement state management of belief and religion. In cases where a district does not have commune or town administrative units, the District People's Committee concurrently performs the tasks and powers of the Commune People's Committee as stipulated by this Law.

1. Specialized inspection in the field of belief and religion is the inspection activity of state agencies with authority over organizations, individuals in compliance with laws on belief and religion. Central-level state management agencies on belief and religion are responsible for directing and organizing specialized inspections in the field of belief and religion nationwide.

2. Specialized inspection in the field of belief and religion shall perform the following tasks:

a) Inspecting the implementation of policies and laws on belief and religion by People's Committees at all levels;

b) Inspecting cases that show signs of violation of laws on belief and religion.

Article 63. Complaints, Denunciations, and Civil Suits Regarding Belief and Religion

1. Representatives, management boards of belief sites, religious organizations, subordinate religious organizations, religious dignitaries, religious officials, religious practitioners, believers, and other organizations and individuals with rights and obligations related thereto have the right to file complaints, initiate administrative lawsuits, initiate civil lawsuits, and request the court to resolve civil matters to protect their lawful rights and interests in accordance with relevant laws.

2. Individuals have the right to denounce acts violating laws on belief and religion. The resolution of denunciations of violations of laws on belief and religion shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on denunciation.

Section 2

ENFORCEMENT OF VIOLATIONS OF LAWS IN THE FIELD OF BELIEF AND RELIGION

Article 64. Handling Violations of Law on Belief and Religion

1. Organizations and individuals who commit acts violating laws on belief and religion or take advantage of belief and religion to violate laws shall be subject to administrative violations or criminal responsibility pursued, if causing damage, they must compensate according to the provisions of the law, depending on the nature and degree of violation.

2. Based on the provisions of this Law and the Law on Handling Administrative Violations, the Government shall specify acts of administrative violations, forms of punishment, levels of punishment, measures to mitigate consequences for each act of administrative violation; authority to impose penalties, specific penalty levels and authority to issue administrative violation reports for acts of administrative violation; regulations on applying administrative handling measures in the field of belief and religion.

Article 65. Handling Civil Servants and Public Officials Who Violate Laws on Belief and Religion While Performing Official Duties

Civil servants and public officials who commit acts violating laws on belief and religion while performing official duties shall be subject to disciplinary action or criminal responsibility pursued according to the provisions of the law for the following violations:

1. Taking advantage of their positions and powers to contravene the provisions of this Law and related laws;

2. Neglecting responsibilities in management leading to violations of laws on belief and religion;

3. Violating regulations on procedures and administrative formalities in state management of belief activities and religious activities.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 66. Effective Date

1. This Law takes effect from January 1, 2018.

2. The Ordinance on Belief and Religion No. 21/2004/UBTVQH11 ceases to be effective from the date this Law takes effect.

Article 67. Transitional Provisions

1. Groups of people who have been approved to register for centralized religious activities, organizations that have been granted certificates for religious activity registration, recognized religious organizations before the date this Law takes effect are not required to re-register or re-recognize according to Articles 17, 19, and 22 of this Law.

2. Religious subordinate organizations that have been established, divided, separated, merged, or consolidated; religious associations, religious orders, and collective religious practice organizations that have been granted activity registration before the date this Law takes effect are not required to re-submit requests or re-register according to Article 29 and Article 38 of this Law.

3. For organizations that have been granted certificates for religious activity registration before the date this Law takes effect, the time limit for recognition as a religious organization according to Clause 1 of Article 21 of this Law shall be calculated from the date the organization was granted the certificate for religious activity registration.

4. Religious organizations that have been recognized before the date this Law takes effect become non-profit legal entities from the date this Law takes effect. These religious organizations are responsible for amending their charters at the nearest general assembly according to Article 23 and registering the amended charter according to Article 24 of this Law.

5. No later than thirty days from the date this Law takes effect, religious organizations, subordinate religious organizations, and organizations that have been granted certificates for religious activity registration before the date this Law takes effect are responsible for notifying the annual religious activities list to the competent state agency according to Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 43 of this Law.

6. No later than thirty days from the date this Law takes effect, belief sites that have notified annual belief activities before the date this Law takes effect are responsible for registering belief activities according to Clause 2 of Article 12 of this Law.

Article 68. Detailed provisions

The Government shall provide detailed regulations for the Articles and Clauses assigned in this Law.

This Law was adopted by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the fourth session of the fourteenth term, on November 18, 2016.