The demolition of the Redemptorist monastery in Hanoi: A violation of the law and religious freedom

Vietnam November 11, 2023

In recent days, many Catholics have expressed outrage over the unilateral demolition of the Redemptorist monastery in Hanoi by the Hanoi government. This is a serious incident that violates the law and the religious freedom of the people.

Legally, the Redemptorist monastery is the legal property of the Redemptorist Order and has never been transferred to any organization or individual. According to the words of Father Gioan Nguyễn Ngọc Nam Phong, a Redemptorist priest, the late Father Giuse Vũ Ngọc Bích, the former superior of the Redemptorist Order in Hanoi, had publicly stated on many occasions that he had never given, sold, or donated any property of the House in Hanoi to any organization or individual.

In fact, in 1959, a group of people claiming to represent the authorities came to borrow the first building of the Redemptorist monastery, which had been the Redemptorist Academy before 1950, to use as a school. Father Giuse Vũ Ngọc Bích firmly opposed this and said, "I have no authority. You must consult with our superiors in Saigon." However, the group replied, "If you don't have the authority, then we do," and they arbitrarily occupied the building. In 1972, after borrowing the remaining building of the monastery to provide medical care for the victims of the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ in the air, the authorities refused to leave and occupied the entire Redemptorist monastery until the present day.

Therefore, the unilateral demolition of the Redemptorist monastery by the Hanoi government is illegal. This monastery is the legal property of the Redemptorist Order and has never been transferred to any organization or individual.

In terms of religious freedom, this incident also violates the religious freedom of the people. According to the Constitution of Vietnam, citizens have the right to freedom of belief, religion, to follow or not to follow any religion. The state respects and guarantees the right to freedom of belief, religion of citizens.

The Redemptorist monastery is a place of religious activity for Catholics. The unilateral demolition of this monastery by the Hanoi government has violated the right to freedom of belief, religion of Catholics.

The consequences of this incident

This incident could have serious consequences, affecting the political and social situation of the country.

First, this incident could increase the conflict between the government and religion. The government's violation of the law and the religious freedom of the people could make religious believers unhappy, leading to protests and struggles.

Second, this incident could erode people's trust in the government. The government's violation of the law and the freedom of the people will make people lose trust in the government, leading to social instability.

Third, this incident could affect Vietnam's image on the international stage. The Vietnamese government's violation of the law and the religious freedom of the people could make Vietnam be condemned on the international stage, affecting the country's prestige.

Recommendations

To resolve this incident, it is necessary for the state authorities to intervene. The state authorities need to review the incident, ensure the enforcement of the law and protect the religious freedom of the people.

At the same time, it is necessary for the government and religious organizations to have a dialogue to resolve differences and conflicts. This is the best way to ensure political and social stability of the country.

Conclusion

The unilateral demolition of the Redemptorist monastery in Hanoi by the Hanoi government is a serious incident that violates the law and the religious freedom of the people. This incident needs to be resolved in a satisfactory manner to avoid more serious consequences.

Additional comments

In addition to the legal and religious freedom violations mentioned above, the demolition of the Redemptorist monastery is also a cultural and historical loss. This monastery is a valuable cultural and historical relic of Hanoi, with a history of over 100 years. The demolition of this monastery is a loss for the people of Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole.

The Hanoi government should immediately stop the demolition of the Redemptorist monastery and restore the monastery to its original condition. The government should also compensate the Redemptorist Order for the damages caused by the demolition.