Circular No. 593/TTg Regarding the Policy for Religious Schools and Classes

CIRCULAR

OF THE PRIME MINISTER NO. 593/TTG
DATE December 10, 1957 ON THE POLICY TOWARDS
RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

Regarding religious schools, Decree No. 234/SL dated June 14, 1955 on religious policy has stipulated:

"RELIGIONS ARE PERMITTED TO OPEN SCHOOLS TO TRAIN SPECIALIZED RELIGIOUS WORKERS" (ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER I).

"Religions are permitted to open private schools. These schools must teach according to the educational curriculum of the Government. Outside of teaching hours according to the Government's educational curriculum, they may teach religious doctrine to those students who wish to learn" (Article 9, Chapter II).

"Religious organizations must abide by the laws of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam like all other people's organizations" (Article 14, Chapter IV).

To ensure the proper implementation of the Government's religious policy, the Prime Minister specifies the details for implementing the above provisions as follows:

1. Religions wishing to open private schools must comply with the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Education for other private schools such as: procedures for requesting school establishment, school premises conditions, teacher qualifications, curriculum and teaching content, reporting system, etc.

If they wish to teach additional religious doctrine to students who want to learn, they must comply with the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Education regarding this issue, such as ensuring student health, voluntary participation of students, etc.

2. Religions wishing to establish schools to train their own religious professionals must submit an application to the provincial administrative committee where the school is to be established for verification, which will then be forwarded to the regional administrative committee for approval and issuance of recognition certificates. Existing schools can continue teaching but must report to obtain formal recognition from the regional administrative committee.

When relocating the school to another place or dissolving it, prior notice of one month must be given to the regional administrative committee.

To ensure student health, the school premises conditions of these schools must also comply with the conditions specified for cultural education schools.

As for the teaching content, the religious doctrine subjects shall be managed by the religions themselves, but the content of these subjects must not oppose the people's democratic regime, violate state laws, undermine efforts to consolidate peace, achieve reunification, complete independence and democracy for the Vietnamese people, nor promote division or war propaganda.

Cultural education at these schools must follow the curriculum of the Ministry of Education, but partial adjustments may be made regarding time, provided that such adjustments are approved by the Department of Education.

The Department of Education has the responsibility to assist these schools with textbooks, cultural education teaching methods, and the dissemination of major government policies.

3. For occasional short-term religious classes and regular scripture classes, prior permission must be obtained. These classes must not obstruct the livelihood and civic duties of believers. If organizing scripture classes for young believers, it must not interfere with their cultural studies and group activities.

As for Buddhist summer retreats, Catholic priests' retreats, Protestant synods, etc., prior permission is not required, but prior notification is necessary.

Upon receipt of this Circular, the Central Religious Board and administrative committees at all levels shall carefully study and implement it.