Summary of PhD thesis of public Management: State management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta

The thesis studies and supplements the scientific basis for the state management over religious activities. On that basis, analyzing the phnomenon of religious activities and state management on religious activities in Mekong Delta and giving some predictions about the movement of religion; set new views, orientations and solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & TRAINING MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION TRAN VAN TINH STATE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE MEKONG DELTA Major in: Public Management Code: 9.34.04.03 SUMMARY OF PhD THESIS OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT HANOI - 2019 The research completed at:
 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Scientific Supervisors: Assoc Prof Dr.Pham Dung Dr Hoang Quang Đat Counter-Argument 1: Counter-Argument 2: Counter-Argument 3: The dissertation will be presented in front of the Academic Review Council Location: Ph.D thesis defense room - Meeting room Buidling ,
National Academy of Public Administration No 77 – Nguyen Chi Thanh, Dong Da, Ha Noi Time: Date: , 2019 This dissertation can be found at: Vietnam National Library, National Academy of Public Administration Library PREFACE The reason for choosing the topic Religion is both a form of social consciousness and a complex social entity that has a direct, powerful impact on many aspects of human social life throughout history Since the beginning of religion, different classes have had a close relationship with religion, including the prohibition, the promotion of religion and the use of religion for other purposes not religion, especially political goals, profiteers Historically, religion has been closely linked with classes, especially the ruling class The right of gods in harmony with the right ruling class has a great influence on the entire social life The underdeveloped medieval European "dark ages" is a typical example of the influence of the theocracy Today, reactionaries and extremists always use religion as an effective tool to incite violence, war, ethnic conflict, etc., to seriously harm the peace and security of the region and the world Beside negative aspects, religion also contains positive values, encouraging the belief in beauty, goodness, the great humanity That explains the existence of religion to date, when the religious worldview gradually gave way to the scientific worldview The positive values of religion are universally acknowledged, and asserting that freedom of religion is one of the basic human rights In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, Article 18 states “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” [129, P.11] Therefore, in order to ensure the religious freedom of citizens and limit the negative aspects of religious activities, especially taking advantage of religion, at the same time, countries in the world need to manage religious activities Because of different political institutions, governments apply different management theories into to religious activity Particularly in Vietnam, the controlling issues of government on religious activities have been interested to lead, to direct and to organize implementation for many achievements by the Party and the State Along with the renovation process, international integration, the Party's system of viewpoints and lines, the State's policies and laws on management of religious activities are adjusted and supplemented However, due to political sensitivity, state management of religious activities has not been studied by many scholars; up to now, the definition of subjects, contents and methods of management have many problems, arguments, should focus on clarification, especially for each region bearing religious characteristics Located at the cultural exchange of the region and the world, Mekong River Delta has a large ethnic minority population and a large number of compatriots are followers of religions with many active religions Religion and ethnicity are closely related, the parallel resolution of two problems mentioned above is difficult, complex Besides, the Mekong Delta has low living standard, and the life is still poor This is the basis for hostile forces to use religious and ethnic issues to undermine the socio-economic development and construction In the past, religious activities in the area have contributed significantly to the progress and development of the area with many charitable and humanitarian activities Some religious festivals have become common festivals and are well received by the community, meeting the needs of the people's cultural life However, religious activities still have many complicated developments, especially the activities of spreading the words, building worship places illegally; using religious activities to propagate superstition, incite religious-ethnic conflicts; some monks show signs of dignity In addition, hostile forces continue to exploit religious freedom that affects political security, social order and safety Because of the above issues, the thesis "State management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta" is significantly urgent in both theory and practice The goals and tasks of the research 2.1 The goals of the research The thesis studies and supplements the scientific basis for the State management over religious activities On that basis, analyzing the phnomenon of religious activities and state management on religious activities in Mekong Delta and giving some predictions about the movement of religion; set new views, orientations and solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta 2.2 The tasks of the research Firstly, the research aims to inherit the concluded success and values, avoid the limitations of the previous research Then, analyze and point out the issues that need to be investigated Secondly, the thesis clarifies, adds some theoretical and practical issues in order to determine the basis of state management of religious activities Thirdly, the research analyzes the phenominon of religious activities and state management on these activities in the Mekong Delta today; base on that, clarify the achievements, limitations, causes and issues raised in state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta Fourthly, the thesis analyzes and forecasts the tendency of religious movements and proposes a number of views, orientations and solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta The objects and the scope of the research 3.1 The objects of the research The study subjects of the thesis are state management of religious activities (six religions with the number of over 50,000 members are Buddhism, Hoa Hao Buddhism, Catholicism, Caodaism, the Vietnamese Pure Land Buddhism Association and Protestantism) in the Mekong Delta 3.2 The scope of the research In terms of space, the thesis on state management of religious activities in 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, namely Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Can Tho, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Hau Giang, Vinh Long In term of time, the research study on state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta in the period from 2003 to 2016 Approach and research methodologies 4.1 Approach The thesis is based on the system of thought of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh’s thought; the views of the Party, the laws of the State on religion and religious activities The research approaches religious issues in the Mekong Delta from the perspective of management science and use the methodology of related sciences such as religion, law, ethnology, etc 4.2 Research methodologies
 To achieve the objectives and tasks of the thesis, the author uses a combination of different research methods: analysis, synthesis; sociological investigation; practical summation; Statistics, comparison and use of some information technology software Research’s questions and scientific hypotheses 5.1 Rresearch’s questions Question 1: What is the scientific basis for state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta? Question 2: How is the phenomenon of religious activities and state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta? Question 3: Solutions to improve state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta? 5.2 Scientific hypotheses Hypothesis 1: After supplementing and perfecting, the state management of religious activities will be the basic foundation for state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta Hypothesis 2: Religious activities in the Mekong Delta are extremely complex and there are some limitations and weaknesses for many reasons Among them, there are reasons for the state management of religious activities Hypothesis 3: The system of views, directions and solutions that have been suggested is feasible, scientific and serious implementation will improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta The new contributions of the thesis 6.1 Scientific contribution Firstly, the thesis has reviewed some domestic and foreign studies related to the topic; reviewing the research results and identifying the topic gap should be further clarified Secondly, the research analysis clarifies and adds to the theoretical and practical basis, contributing to building and perfecting the scientific basis for state management of religious activities 6.2 Practical contribution Firstly, the thesis inherits, adds theoretical basis for state management of religious activities, particularly definitions about beliefs, religions, religious activities, state management of religious activities; interprets the necessity of state management over religious activities, especially the state management function performance in order to ensure freedom of religious beliefs and socio-political stability; analyzes the basic contents and the factors affecting management of religious activities These are also fundamental, consistent contents all through with serving as a basis for analyzing the situation, proposing solutions to complete state management for religious activities Secondly, the thesis clearly analyzed the specific factors affecting religious activities and state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta In there, it analyzed specific geographical factors on affecting the formation and development of religion; on history of solidarity among ethnic groups (Kinh, Khmer, Hoa, Cham); on the relationship between the nation-religion (Khmer ethnic people – Theravada Buddhism) and the relationship between religion in the region and religion in foreign countries (mainly Theravada Buddhism in the region with Theravada Buddhism in the Kingdom of Cambodia); on taking religious advantage of hostile forces Thirdly, the thesis analyzed and evaluated state management for religious activities in the Mekong Delta region, showed achievements, limitations and causes under the perspective of management science; at the same time, shed light on the issues that need to be resolved thoroughly to perfect the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta Fourthly, the dissertation analyzed and forecasted about religious movement trends and proposes a number of views and solutions to perfect the state management of religious activities in the Mekong River Delta; in which, focusing on solutions to complete institutions, organizing apparatus, training - fostering civil servants, organizing the implementation of policies and propaganda - mobilization, international cooperation, inspection – test The theoretical and reality meaning of the thesis 7.1 The theoretical meaning The thesis analyzes, clarifies, adds theoretical basis and reality, contributes to build and complete scientific basis for state management of religious activities 7.2 The reality meaning The finding of this thesis can be used as reference materials in improving the state management of religious activities in teaching, studying and researching on state management of religious activities The thesis’s structure Apart from the introduction, conclusion and reference list, the thesis consists of four chapters: Chapter 1: Overview of researches related to state management of religious activities Chapter 2: Scientific basis for state management of religious activities Chapter 3: The phenomenon of state management of religious activities in the Mekong delta Chapter 4: Directions and solutions to perfect state management of religious activities in the Mekong delta CHAPTER 1
 THE OVERVIEW OF RESEARCHS RELATED TO STATE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES 1.1 Study the theory of religion In this way, the research focuses on: (1) the viewpoints of MarxismLeninism and some religious scientists, (2) the ideas of President Ho Chi Minh on religious management, (3) the tendency of religious movements, new religious issues arising in the development of science and technology and international integration The researches in this direction have generalized analysis of the modern world socio-economic conditions and the movement of religion in the world in general In which, it analyzes the effects of the process of industrialization, modernization and international integration on religious activities; trends of change, new problems arising, expression, issues to be addressed in the relationship between the state and the church; attitudes and views of some scientists and politicians in Vietnam on religious issues 1.2 Study on the status of religious activities 1.2.1 Study on the status of world religious activities In this way, the research projects have approached and generalized the status of world religious activities in many angles; in which, focusing on analyzing the influence of religion on socio-economic life, especially ethnicreligious conflicts in some countries 1.2.2 Study on the status of Vietnamese religious activities In this way, the researches analyzes and presents overview of birth history, development, doctrine, canon law, rituals, practice religion, church organization structure of some religions in Vietnam, South, Southwest In particular, in the Southwest region, the works focus on the study and analysis of the philosophy, religious culture, role, position and importance of religion in people's lives, especially the role of Theravada Buddhism in the cultural life - spirit of the Khmer people 1.3 Study on the state management of religious activities 1.3.1 Study on the state management of religious activities in some countries around the world In this way, the researches deep analyzes the relationship between religions and political and social life; analyzes and clarifies the relationship between religions and culture, ethnicity especially analyzing religious policy of government and its impacts to political stability and social security in each country and regions 1.3.2 Study on the state management of religious activities in Vietnam 1.3.2.1 The policy of some Nguyen dynasty’s Kings on religion In this direction, the researches focused on analyzing the national historic context, religious policy in general and for each religionparticularly in each period of feudal state history; in which, it goes deep in the stoolcauses, factors affecting recent religious policy These works have common achievements that have analyzed, drawn lessons experience in developing and implementing current religious policies, especially affirm the principle of "resolute to the core issuesbut must be flexible and soft " 1.3.2.2 State management of religious activities in Vietnam today These works analyze views, lines and religious policy in Vietnam based on the Vietnamese religious picture inrelationship with world religious situation Meanwhile, some research process on state management of religious activities such asprinciples and methods of social management of religion; analyzing problems of management structure organization and outline some contents of social management aboutreligion; pointing out some achievements and limitations in the management of religious activities today 1.3.2.3 Study on the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta There were some works focused on studying, analyzing and evaluating religious affairs in the Mekong Delta, mainly the process of formation and development of religious policy in Khmer ethnic areas, drawing experiential lessons, solutions, and suggestion that contribute to improve the religious work of the Party, government 1.4 Some general comments about the works related to state management of religious activities and direction for next researches of thesis 1.4.1 Achievements of the works related to state management of religious activities The above works analyzed religious issues and state management of religious activities on many angles of access and reach many achievements Firstly, in-depth study of theory related to religion in terms of philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc contributes to providing rationale for management science Secondly, study fundamental, consistent thoughts all through the era of President Ho Chi Minh in solve problems related to religion Thirdly, research and analysis about religious situation in the country and abroad, about the appearance of new religion, political security issues related to religion Particularly in the Mekong River Delta region, the research focused on philosophy, religious culture, role, position, importance of religion in people's life, especially Theravada Buddhism for cultural life the spirit of Khmer ethnic people Fourthly, research on state management for religious activities in the country and abroad has been gotten many achievements, containing rich theoretical and practical values 1.4.2 Limitations of the works related to state management of religious activities Firstly, although there are some theoretical research works on state management of religious activities, they have not gone into the narrow topics; especially the theory of religious activities, interpreting the necessity and completeness of the content and requirements of management activities, factors affecting the state management of religious activities Secondly, due to lack of scientific management approach, some research projects on state management for religious activities have not deeply analyzed the reality and state management solutions for religious activities, but only a general analysis according to the limit of the approach angle Thirdly, the research works on religious issues in the Mekong Delta region mainly analyze the culture, human philosophy and the influence of religion on people's spiritual life In summary, the research on state management for religious activities in the Mekong Delta has not much research in terms of management science, especially without monographs or doctor’s thesis on this issue 1.4.3 Direction for next researches of thesis On the basis of analyzing the research works related to the thesis, the PhD student approaches the thesis topic in the following perspective: Firstly, approaching the thesis topic under the perspective of public management science to study, supplement and complete the state management scientific basis for religious activities Secondly, research on state management of religious activities in particular socio-economic conditions of the Mekong River Delta Especially, its analysis and evaluation of state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta region, showing achievements, limitations and causes based on the results of theoretical studies Thirdly, researches, propose new and feasible solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta region CHAPTER 2
 SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR STATE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES 2.1 Basic definitions 2.1.1 Belief Belief is a spiritual phenomenon that expresses faith, admiration, worship of the human to the gods, this is the origin of all religions Nowadays, beliefs can be divided into two basic types, folk beliefs and religious beliefs Folk beliefs are: "sacred beliefs, praising the symbols, positive cultural values, beautiful morals, especially the gratitude of the people who go after to their predecessors, people for heroes" Religious beliefs are: "the sacred belief of humanity towards the specific cult object, expressed through rituals associated with religion, religious symbols" 2.1.2 Religion Religion is a form of social awareness, reflecting in a virtual way, surrealistic objective world, expressing beliefs and beliefs of people for one 12 2.4.4 The relationship between religion and ethnicity There is an intimate relationship between religion and ethnicity, in which the nation contains religious elements and religion contains ethnicity In particular, in some ethnic groups, ethnic culture is also at the same time a religious culture, worshiping facilities play a role of national cultural activities center, this is a particularly sensitive issue In theory, the issue of ethnicity and religion has different management objects, different content and management methods, but in fact, between them there is an interrelated, intimate interaction with each other, in order to effectively solve religious issues, at the same time, solve ethnic issues well and vice versa 2.4.5 Activities of taking beliefs and religions advantage Derived from the historical - social characteristics and the role of religion in social life, religious activities are easily exploited on non-religious purposes, which is a serious issue on over the world and has a great impact on the security, order and autonomy of the nation Some extremist individuals, organizations focus on using religion to incite violence, divide national unity, religion, even riots overturn government with increasingly complex nature 2.5 Experience in state management of religious activities 2.5.1 Experience in state management of religious activities in some countries Through research on state management of religious activities in Japan, Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand, some lessons can be drawn as follows: Firstly, clearly identify the subject and management object in accordance with the characteristics of each religion At the same time, constantly improving the content, the key management method is decentralization, strong decentralization to the locality and promoting the autonomous role of religious organizations and people's supervision Secondly, respect the people's right to freedom of belief; in which, ensuring equality and equality among religions and maintaining harmony and solidarity among religions In particular, pay attention to issues of particular ethnicity and ethnic culture related to religion Thirdly, flexible and soft in implementing religious policies, ensuring socio-political stability on the basis of harmony and unity among religions and ethnic groups but also resolutely before bearing problems calculating principles such as independence, sovereignty, unification Fourthly, gather and promote the role of spiritual leaders, prestigious people of religions in contributing to building the religious policy of the state and at the 13 same time reflecting opinions and recommendations to manage agencies 2.5.2 Experience in state management of religious activities in some areas of Vietnam Through the study of state management on religious activities in the Northern midland and mountainous areas, the South Central Coast region can draw some lessons as follows: Firstly, well implement propaganda and dissemination of the Party's views, policies and laws of the State; create consensus and consolidate the solidarity of the whole nation in the construction, protection and development of the country Secondly, clarifies functions, tasks, positions and flexible coordination mechanisms of branches and levels They must build a staff of high capacity, good moral qualities Thirdly, proactively concretize the Party's views, policies and laws of the State in accordance with the local conditions Fourthly, building and strengthening a strong and clean political system, especially at the grassroots level; in which, the role and position of the Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations are respected At the same time, promote the mastery of the people Fifth, mobilize, effectively use investment resources and promote strong sense of self-reliance and self-promotion of the people In particular, pay attention to promoting dignitaries and dignitaries in mobilizing followers to carry out local socio-economic development tasks Sixthly, take the initiative in fighting, preventing and timely preventing activities of using religion on non-religious objectives Besides, it is always ready to respond to unfavorable developments from the use of religion by hostile forces CHAPTER THE PHENOMENON OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AND STATE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE MEKONG DELTA 3.1 Characteristics of natural, historical, cultural and socioeconomic conditions in the Mekong delta area 3.1.1 Natural condition It is the specific natural conditions, the hilly and mountainous terrain in the South - adjacent to the immense plain and adjacent to the Kingdom of Cambodia, so it has great impacts on the formation and development of 14 cultural life - the spirit of the people, especially the religion and religious life In the past, many religions have been born in this land such as Hoahoaism, Buu Son Ky Huong, Tu An Hieu Nghia, etc Besides, due to the border with the Kingdom of Cambodia, the exchange and influence Mutual interreligious between the two countries is easy and frequent This issue also requires the state management of religious activities to pay attention to the areas with a large number of religious people to guide and check to ensure the needs of religious beliefs of people people, not to be used for the purpose of superstition and politics; in particular, concerns about issues that affect religious activity, the political implications of hostile forces from the other side of the border or the political upheavals of neighboring countries 3.1.2 Historical and cultural conditions The Mekong Delta has a diverse and specific cultural and religious life on the basis of cultural exchanges between Vietnam - Khmer - China - Chams ethnic groups Along with the changes of history, the process of cultural transformation, cultural and religious life in this land is more diverse and complicated; especially by the European-American culture and the American – Republic of Vietnamreligious advantage policy in the past After gaining independence, the people's right to freedom of religious belief is respected and recognized by the Party and the State in legal documents, the highest is the Constitution, focused on implementation Although the religious beliefs of the people have many positive changes, the right to freedom of religious belief is ensured, but religious activities are still complicated 3.1.3 Social and economic conditions Historically, the Mekong Delta is a purely agricultural area with a low level of production The people’s life depends entirely on natural conditions Today, agriculture is still an important economic sector but it has developed, along with the development of educational, scientific and technological factors, market economy, abundant labor force, this area play an important role in the overall economic growth of the country Besides, the regional socio-economic situation, including religious and belief activities and taking advantage of religious beliefs, still has many complicated and unpredictable factors due to negative impacts of the background market economy, antivandalism of hostile forces, etc All these issues require state management for religious activities in this area to be specific and flexible to suit each specific conditions and objects 3.2 The phenomenon of state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta 3.2.1.The system of policies and laws on state management of 15 religious activities Based on the system of views of the Party Central Committee, especially the views stated in the Central Resolution of the 9th term on "religious work", the Party Committee of the Mekongdelta provinces has promptly issued many documents to lead and direct the work of religion, put the Party's policies and guidelines into local implementation At the same time, governments at all levels in the Mekong Delta have rapidly implemented state’s documents, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, the Provincial Party Committee in many specific documents, promptly meeting the legitimateneeds and aspirationsof religions’ believers 3.2.2 Organizing structure and qualifications and capacity of cadres and civil servants engaged in religious affairs At present, the People's Committee of 13 provinces and cities has issued a Decision regulating the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs under the Department of Home Affairs The Department of Home Affairs have a decision on the establishment of professional sections under the Government Committee for Religious Affairs The activities of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs have been settled and ordered The work of building a force of religious affairs staffs has been strengthened Currently, the number of civil servants involved in state management of religious activities in the region is 2.178, an increase of 603 persons (up 38%) compared to 2003 In terms of professional qualifications, the number of staffs having bachelor degree or higher is 989 people (hold 45.4%), higher than in 2003 (249 people, hold 15.81%), nearly times Up to now, the force of cadres and civil servants basically meet the requirements of work 3.2.3 The phenomenon of propaganda and advocacy for the implementation of religious policy Propaganda, dignitaries, followers of religions are always strictly implemented by Party committees and authorities However, the propaganda still has some limitations, not satisfactory; in which, a part of officials realized that the religious work was incomplete and inadequate, affecting the concretization and implementation A number of localities and units still have thoughts of limiting religious activities but also have localities and units that neglect their management, so that when violations arise, they will enter, etc Besides, a part dignitaries and dignitaries have not changed their selfdeprecating, extreme attitude, so they are easily exploited 3.2.4 The phenomenon of international cooperation in state 16 management of religious activities Every year, provinces in the area send cadres and nominate religious dignitaries to participate in delegation of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs to attend international conferences Welcome and work with many delegations of religious organizations, non-governmental organizations However, the coordination and international cooperation in the management of religious activities is limited, mainly through the central level 3.2.5 The phenomenon of inspection and examination of state management of religious activities Since the merger of state management agencies of religious activities in the Home Affairsdivision, the inspection and examination work has been difficult due to the fact that the inspectors of the Home Affairs division have not grasped the particularities of religious affairs Besides, the inspection work mainly stops at the check in order to accept the festival activities, recognize the relics The inspection and examination of religious activities only takes place within each religion through various levels such as the Association of Patriotic Monks, the Mêkon, the Management Board of the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam, etc.According to internal assessments of religious officials, there are 67 opinions (accounting for 30.1%) that inspection and inspection work are only good or average Currently, the inspection and examination of state management activities for religious activities take place in two directions 3.2.6 The phenomenon oforganizing the implementation of policies and laws on religious activities Regarding legal recognition and approval of religious religious programs Up to now, the Committee of Religions has advised the People's Committees of provinces to grant operation registration for 11 religious organizations, granting registration for 29 religious organizations but not yet granted operation registration In addition, the Department of Home Affairs actively advised the People's Committee to approve a number of administrative affairs of religions, creating conditions for religious dignitaries to be transferred or appointed; review and approve regular and irregular action programs, legal guidance for religious organizations to operate in accordance with the law About management, training dignitaries and monks Currently, there are 10 training institutions of religious organizations in the Mekong Delta region with more than 500 students attending each year Religious organizations initially cooperated with state management agencies in education and training, state management for religious activities to build content, dignitaries 17 and monastic teaching programs In particular, the form of study is organized diverse, both short-term, long-term, domestic and foreign Regarding consideration and approval of construction and repair of worshiping establishments, from 2003 to 2016, the provincial People's Committees approved and allowed 712 establishments to be restored, newly built 340 worshiping facilities and 1,321 establishments restoration and repair Temporary allocation of land to many worshiping facilities to serve the religion Regarding the consideration and approval of social charity activities, with the policy of national solidarity, promoting the spirit of mutual support, pure charitable activities of individuals and religious organizations are encouraged to develop In particular, among relevant agencies such as education and training, war invalids and social workers, health care has been coordinated with each other and with religious organizations to promptly mobilize and use the social forces to contribute to regional socio-economic development Regarding the approval of religious foreign affairs The Religion Committee advises the provincial People's Committees in coordinating the organization of major religious events, approving interactions between religions in the area with delegations of religious names from Thailand Cambodia, Vatican, etc Regarding the handling of land-related complaints of religious origin The provincial Committee for Religion has advised the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee to settle complaints of religions, mainly focusing on the land field between worshiping facilities and a part of the people concerned conflict between religious believers and people 3.3 The assessment of state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta 3.3.1 Achievements State management of religious activities has been strengthened, the efficiency and effectiveness of management has been constantly increased Thus, both ensuring the people's freedom of belief and maintaining political security, fighting to prevent and failing all conspiracy to abuse religion; the solidarity of the entire people is maintained; The patriotic tradition, selfreliance, continued to inherit, promote and mobilize the strength of the whole people to strive for the goal of rich, strong, democratic, fair and civilized people 3.3.2 Limitations State management over religious activities has a number of limitations: (1) the state institutional system for religious affairs has been established but some insufficiency remain, (2) coordination of relevant agencies has 18 overlapping functions and responsibilities, (3) unreliable religious staff; lackofqualification, ability to Propagandize, convince the public; (4) dissemination of views and guidelines of the Party, policies and laws of the governmenthave not been effective yet, (5) The international cooperation in state management is still limited, mainly through the central level, (6) The inspection and examination still have many obstacles,not highefficiency, mainly stopped in the examination recognition andlicensing,(7) organizing the implementation of policies and laws is still limited and inadequate 3.3.3 The issue of state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta In order to improve the effectiveness of state management of religion, firstly have to solve the following issues: - Perfect the state institutional system for religious activities, especially religious activities with ethnic elements and ethnic culture (Khmer people) However, the system of legal documents is overlapping, the functions and tasks between agencies are not clear and clear, especially the concretization of local authorities in the implementation of related religious policies related to Khmer ethnicity and Nam Tong Buddhist temple This problem makes the activities of citizens and civil servants face many difficulties - Improve the quality of cadres and civil servants working in religious affairs, although being a multi-religious and multi-ethnic areas, but nowadays, in the Mekong Delta, training institutions for cadres and civil servants aresparse and not yet meet the requirements The facility is capable of training the civil servants working in religious affairs in the region is the Political Academy Campus IV with a small number of students - Develop economic, stabilize people's life However, geographical condition is dispersed result the difficultyin applying new farming methods, in addition natural conditions is unfavorable which often occursbecause of the impact of climate change.That affects production capacity, makes farmers' lives unstable - Strengthen the national unity, maintain national security and defense, and ensure socio-economic stability However, in reality, the religious activities are more and more complicated, the hostile forces always use the ethnic and religious issues to disrupt the national and religious unity with conspiracy to peaceful evolution, subversive riots 19 CHAPTER 4
 DIRECTIONS AND SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE STATE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE MEKONG DELTA 4.1 Forecasting the movement trend of religions and the views and orientations to perfect the state management of religious activities in the Mekong delta 4.1.1 Forecasting movement trends of religions in the Mekong delta The Mekongdelta has many ethnic groups, many religions, ethnic and religious issues have a close relationship With the exchange, international integration, the impact of the market economy, religious activities have four movement trends as follows: (1) the trend of religious activities reform, (2) the trend of conversion ethnic minority people, (3) the trend of diversification of religious organizations, (4) the trendof using the religion problems to harm political security, social order and safety 4.1.2 Aligning viewpoints and orientations for improving state management of religious activities in the Mekong delta State management of religious activities should obey the following directions: (1) Aligning viewpoints of respecting for the religious freedom of the people In particular, the determination of beliefs and religions is the right and spiritual needs of a part of the religious people (2) Strengthening the unity of the people, handle two issues religion- ethnicat the same time to contribute to promoting the combined strength to successfully implement the tasks of socio-economic development in the locality (3) To well carry out propaganda activities so that individuals, religious organizations and people are aware of the Party's viewpoints and guidelines as well as the government policies and laws; At the same time, help and facilitate for individuals and religious organizations to operate normally in accordance with the law (4) Bringing into play the role of the political system, renewing the content and operation methods; especially to promote the role of party members, civil servants who are religious and party members in ethnic minority and religious areas At the same time, improving promptly the material and spiritual life of the people, especially to deal with pressing issues such as increasing incomes, living standards, creating jobs and reducing poverty (5) Raising vigilance, actively fighting, detecting and strictly handling cases of abuse of religious beliefs to against the Party and Government 20 4.2 Solutions to improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong delta 4.2.1 Partly adjuct, implement the institutions and policies on state management of religious activities fit with new conditions and situations Stemming from specific elements of nature, history, culture, economy society, the state management of religious activities should: strengthen the Party's leadership, affirm that religion is an entity of a new society, longlasting, is a need of a part of the people and is one of the basic rights of man;ensure equal rights among religions; preserve and promote worship facilities with cultural and historical values, contribute to good traditional cultural education, national unity, history of revolutionary fight; consolidate the contingent of cadres and civil servants engaged in religious affairs through planning, fostering and building regimes and rational policies; clearly defining the competence, functions and tasks of each agency as well as the coordination mechanism of the concerned agencies and organizations; clearly delimiting the boundaries between religious, belief activities and superstitious activities and abusing religion for non-religious purposes; to properly settle the relationship between freedom of beliefs and religions with the assurance of national security 4.2.2 Adjust the organization of the State management apparatus for religious activities to adapt development trends Religious work is the task of the whole political system; in which State management of religious activities is a part of religious work.To build up and improve the organizational structure of state management over the operation of religions on the basis of building up the force of civil servants who are officially trained in combination with frequently improving, table positioning and adopt appropriate treatment policies; bringing together the state management of religious activities and ethnic; bringing the issue of religion and ethnicity to state management agencies in charge of culture; clearly defining functions and tasks as well as the coordination mechanism of the concerned State management agencies; consolidating the organizational structure of the Fatherland Front and the unions; promoting the selfgoverning role of religious organizations 4.2.3 Perfecting the training and fostering of cadres and civil servants engaged in the State management over religious activities Training and fostering activities should be carried out regularly, in a variety of forms In which, training contents focus on enhancing political theory, state management knowledge and professional knowledge on 21 religious affairs, focusing on the following contents: (1) advanced training political theory, awareness of civil servants, (2) improving state management knowledge, (3) focus on professional training, in-depth knowledge of religion and religious work 4.2.4 Propagate and encourage the public and believers of religions to implement the policies and laws of the Party and government Focus on leading, increasing the quality, effectiveness of propagating policies and laws of the Party and government to public, believers and the whole political systems; especially focus more on the ideological work of the area where many people are religious followers, especially in areas with large Khmer people, contribute to improving political awareness, creating trust and support of a great number of people for the leadership of the Party and State management In particular, the propaganda on the content, form, subject and object is renewed On that basis, functional agencies take the initiative and coordinate in developing appropriate content and plans, contributing to raising awareness of policies and laws, strengthening people's confidence in the Party and the House To consolidate the entire people's solidarity, to ensure stability and sustainable socio - economic development, contributing to the success in national construction and development 4.2.5 Improving inspecting and controlling the State management of religious activities Inspection and control activities for religious affairs agencies in order to ensure the operation of the State management agencies and religious organizations are accordance with law Timely promote the advantages, achievements have been reached as well as limit weaknesses, negative The inspection and controlactivity must be carried out on the principle of: (1) ensuring the principle of socialist legislation, (2) ensuring that cadres, civil servants and individuals and religious organizations are aware the right and obligations to the stability and development of the country; ensuring the smooth assignment and coordination between managing agencies, (3) combining inspection and control with the fight against the abuse of religious beliefs 4.2.6 Promoting the role of grassroots political system in state management for religious activities First of all, focus on propaganda, education, fostering awareness of cadres, Party members, union members, members about the position and importance of the grassroots political system to the sustainabledevelopment process Secondly, renovate, improve the quality of political system operations at the grassroots level, especially in areas with ethnic minority and religious, step by step enhancing the capacity for comprehensive leadership 22 in economic development, improve people's life, reduce poverty, strengthen national defense - security of the region, the country Thirdly, developwell Party members force, union members and members; particular pay attention to areas where there are no grassroots organizations and party members Fourthly, improve the leadership, guidance and inspection of the superiors, especially the direct superior of grassroots level to grasp the situation, promptly solve problems and obstacles 4.2.7 Develop socio-economic enhances the life of religious peoplearea Improving the effectiveness of state management of religious activities, the first thing in the current period is to improve the economic structure, speed up the socio-economic development, improve the material, spirit life of people; especially in ethnic minority areas, religious followers In addition, promote the development of other social sectors such as health care, education, culture - arts and sports, and implement well the policies of people with meritorious services and social welfare CONCLUSION 1.1 Conclusion 1.1.About theoretical aspect, because ofthe human rights of religious freedom, the role of religion for socio-economic development, the success of social revolution and national political security, it’s necessary to have state management of religious activities Thestate management over religious activities focuses on the following contents: building state management institutions; building management apparatus; training the management team; carrying out the activities of ratifying and accepting the legal entities and religious practice programs; inspecting and supervising the management activities; cooperatinginternationally in management The state management of religious activities is influenced by five main factors, namely the accurate leadership of the ruling party play the most important position 1.2 About the phenomenon of religion in the Mekong Delta State management for religious activities has been strengthened, effective and effective management has been continuously increased, contributing to promoting the positive value of religion for the economic, cultural and social development of the region, especially in social security activities Thereby, the patriotic tradition, self-reliance is continued to inherit, promote and encourage the nation's strength to strive to build the country.Besides the achieved results, state management for religious activities has some limitations; Institutional systems are overlapping and inadequate;some levels of local authorities are slow to specify policies and 23 regulations of higher levels; organizational structure of management apparatus, coordination mechanism among state agencies is still loose; capacity, qualifications of cadres and civil servants are not satisfactory; propaganda, inspection and inspection also revealed weaknesses Restrictions in religious activities such as illegal evangelism organization, scramble for areas to influence each other, decadent manifestations of the morality of some monks and take advantage of beliefs and religions to the main purpose treatment, benefits have not been overcome 1.3 About the movement tendencies of the religions: The religions of the Mekong Delta have four main trends: the tendency of conversion of ethnic minorities, the tendency of diversification of religious organizations, the tendency of ethnic conflicts interleave with religious conflicts, the tendency to take advantage of the religious issues of hostile forces The complex movement of religions has affected many aspects of socio-political life 1.4 About the viewpoints and direction of state management of religious activities: respecting the religious freedom of the people; strengthening the unity of the entire people, combining solve well at the same time two issues of ethnic - religious; well carrying out propaganda activities and facilitate religious individuals and organizations to operate in accordance with the provisions of law; promote the role of the political system; to improve the material and spiritual life of the people, especially to deal with pressing issues such as increasing incomes, living standards, creating jobs and reducing poverty; raising vigilance, actively fighting, detecting and strictly handling cases of abuse of religious beliefs 1.5 About solutions:In order to improve “the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta", it is necessary to focus on perfecting institutions and policies on state management in the direction of synchronizing along with strengthening decentralizion management and reform of administrative procedures;improve the organizational apparatus on the basis of peculiarities of ethnicity and religion in the area, in which, incorperate the state management agencies in charge of religious and ethnic activities; enhance the training and fostering of cadres and civil servants engaged in religious affairs, especially to determine the subjects, contents and forms of practical training; renew the propagation and encouragement of followers to implement the State's policies and government laws,in which the attention should be paid to promoting the role of dignitaries and prestige people; renovate the inspection and control of state management activities in a flexible and effective manner; to promote the role of the grassroots political system in the implementation of religious policies and socio-economic 24 development to raise the living standards of religious people Suggestion 2.1 To the government The Government directs the statistics, reviews and adjusts the system of regulation documents, creating the unity and uniformity of mechanisms, policies and the application of law to religious organizations and individuals breaking the law Directing the consolidation of state management agencies in charge of religious activities and the State management agencies in charge of ethnic minorities; at the same time, this agency shall be transferred to the State management agency in charge of culture, form division of the State management agency in charge of culture with the function of managing the activities of belief, religion and ethnic affairs Directing the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and local authorities to promote decentralization of management Renovating of recruitment, management, training, improving, arranging and rotation of cadres, creating stability of the apparatus 2.2 To the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Strengthening decentralization to local authorities towards increasing autonomy Guiding localities to well perform recruitment, planning, training and improving and positioning staffs for religious affairs Considering and approving the program of training religious dignitaries; formulating programs for training and improving officials engaged in religious affairs at all levels Reviewing and guiding the implementation of overlapping and contradictory regulations related to land and construction works of religious origin Adjusting and supplementing the regime of specific policies for religious affairs officials at all levels 2.3 To the provincial People’s Committee Well carrying out propaganda activities of the Party's viewpoints, government’s policies and laws on religions and ethnic groups Directing to perform well the work of seizing the situation and development of activities of religious organizations and individuals in order to promptly take effective management methods and solutions Renovating the recruitment, appointment, planning, training and improving of cadres engaged in religious affairs in each locality Promoting the role of the religious associations, especially the Mêkone, the Association of Patriotic Monksat the provincial and district level in the management 25 and handling of violations of canons and laws of religious practitioners./ LIST OF THE AUTHOR RESEARCHES Tran Van Tinh (2014), “Some state management experience for religious activities in Tra Vinh province”, State Management (No 2227/2014) Tran Van Tinh (2015), “Some solutions for improving assignment morality”, State Organization (No 1-2015) Tran Van Tinh (2016) “Proposing a position of the Committee for Religious Affairs in the system of administrative agencies”, State Management (No 247- 8/2016) Tran Van Tinh (2017), “The trend of religious change in the Mekong Delta and policy oriented management”, Political Science (No 2/2017) ... improve the state management of religious activities in the Mekong Delta The objects and the scope of the research 3.1 The objects of the research The study subjects of the thesis are state management. .. Protestantism) in the Mekong Delta 3.2 The scope of the research In terms of space, the thesis on state management of religious activities in 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, namely... for state management of religious activities 7.2 The reality meaning The finding of this thesis can be used as reference materials in improving the state management of religious activities in