Hanoi authorities on August 2 celebrated the 70th anniversary of the state management of religious affairs in Vietnam (August 2, 1955 – August 2, 2025).

The event served as a time to reflect on the proud history of the sector and to honor and express gratitude to generations of officials who have contributed to religious affairs in the capital.

According to Nguyen Sy Truong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, the Prime Minister on August 2, 1955 established the Religious Affairs Committee, the predecessor of today's state management system for religious affairs.

On May 27, 2005, the Prime Minister officially designated August 2 as the traditional day of the state religious affairs sector, to highlight its role and to encourage those working in the field.

Hanoi is home to nine officially recognized religious organizations, with 5,922 belief establishments and 2,450 religious facilities. There are about two million religious followers, 2,000 dignitaries, and more than 3,000 religious officers.

There are also several unrecognized religious sects and emerging religious phenomena. These numbers reflect the rich and diverse religious life in Hanoi, which has been encouraged to grow within the framework of the law.

"In recent years, religious and belief activities in Hanoi have remained generally stable," said Truong.

"People of all faiths and those with no religion live in harmony, united in their communities."

"They actively support the Party's and State's policies, practice the motto of 'good life, good faith,' and take part in movements and campaigns launched by the city. This contributes significantly to the overall development of the capital," he said.

Truong noted that the Religious Affairs Committee under the former Department of Home Affairs, and now the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, has worked hard to advise the Party and local authorities on religious policies and laws.

The department has also performed state management of religious activities, encouraged followers to contribute to the city's development, and helped counter hostile forces that attempt to misuse religion for anti-government purposes.

"We believe that with strong leadership from the central and city-level governments, and the dedication of officials, staff, and employees in the field, Hanoi's state religious management sector will continue to serve as a vital bridge between the government and religious communities," Truong said.

"We are committed to upholding our proud tradition, overcoming all challenges, fulfilling our duties, and contributing to a more civilized, modern, and happy capital city."

Speaking at the ceremony, Venerable Thich Dao Phong, a member of the Executive Council and Deputy Head and Chief Secretary of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Hanoi, said that the Buddhist community is proud to have always been closely tied to the fate of the capital and the country.

He expressed hope that the city would provide clearer mechanisms and policies to enable religious organizations to participate more deeply in cultural and social programs and promote ethical values in society.

Representing another religious organization, Hoang Van Tung, Coordinator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vietnam, said: "We are grateful for the regular support from the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, especially in providing updates on religious laws and decrees."

"We sincerely thank all the officials in the sector and the department, who serve as a strong support and a vital bridge, helping religious organizations operate legally, stably, and harmoniously in the spirit of unity and social service."

At the event, representatives from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi presented awards to individuals and collectives who have made outstanding contributions to the state management of religious affairs.