Statement on The Participation of Priests in Politics in Vietnam

English Version

Statement on The Participation of Priests

in Politics in Vietnam

I. Introduction
The Movement of the Vietnamese Laity in Diaspora, founded in 1992 and operating under the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Holy See (Vatican), is an association grounded in the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church.

As lay faithful conscious of our responsibility toward the Mother Church in Vietnam, we solemnly speak out regarding the fact that a number of priests of the Catholic Church in Vietnam are participating in political structures controlled by the Communist Party of Vietnam. This is a matter that concerns the doctrinal foundations and canonical laws of the universal Catholic Church, which clergy, religious, and laity alike are bound to observe.

II. Gospel and Canonical Foundations of The Church

1. We believe in and adhere to the teachings of Jesus Christ: “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21), and “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). At the same time, we apply the teachings of the Church as expressed by the Second Vatican Council: There must be a clear distinction between what belongs to the earthly order and what belongs to the supernatural order. (Gaudium et Spes, no. 43).
2. The 1983 Code of Canon Law clearly defines the limits for clergy:

• Canon 285 §3: Clerics are forbidden to assume public offices which entail participation in the exercise of civil power.
• Canon 287 §2: Clerics are not to play an active role in political parties.
• Canon 289 §2: Clerics are to be exempt from public offices incompatible with the clerical state.

III. International Precedents and The Reality in Vietnam

1. In democratic countries (such as the United States, France, Italy), it is extremely rare for clergy to engage in politics. Violations are met with strict disciplinary measures:

• Bishop Fernando Lugo (Paraguay, 2008): Required to leave the clerical state upon entering politics.
• Fr. Jean-Bertrand Aristide (Haiti, 1995): Required to be laicized when running for president.

2. The situation In Vietnam:
   The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) maintains a monopoly on leadership of the country, as stipulated in Article 4 of the Constitution. With such authority, the CPV continues to uphold Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, under which religion is regarded as an “opiate of the people.” As a result, Catholic citizens face discrimination and exclusion from the structures of state governance.

IV. The Election of March 15, 2026

1. In reality, Vietnam’s National Assembly functions as an instrument to implement decisions made by the Communist Party. Elections are largely formalities, with candidates pre-selected by the state and citizens expected to comply with state directives.
2. Notably, several dioceses issued statements encouraging the faithful to vote and permitting priests to stand as candidates. As a result, two priests were elected to the 16th National Assembly:

• Fr. John the Baptist Nguyễn Văn Riễn (Phú Cường Diocese), representing Ho Chi Minh City.
• Fr. Lê Nguyên Thao, Chancellor of the Diocese of Phan Thiết, representing Lâm Đồng Province.

In addition, eight other priests were elected to Provincial People’s Councils, along with many priests holding significant roles in the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics, an organization established by the Communist Party to divide the Church.

V. Assessment of the Lay Movement

1. The participation of some priests in the state apparatus under the exclusive control of the CPV raises serious questions: Was this done with episcopal authorization, in disregard of canon law, or have “exceptions” become a de facto “norm” in Vietnam?
2. Direct political involvement by priests risks obscuring their prophetic role and their mission to proclaim the Gospel upon receiving Holy Orders. This leads to confusion among the faithful regarding the credibility of clerical teaching. When aligned with political power, clergy may be perceived as instruments of propaganda for a “false religious freedom” and as complicit in systemic injustices, including policies that restrict religious liberty in Vietnam.
3. The perplexing silence or apparent acquiescence of some members of the hierarchy before political power causes concern among the faithful regarding the governance of the Church. It undermines confidence in the Church’s holiness and independence, and fosters division within the Catholic community.

VI. Position and Call to Action of the Movement
The Movement of the Vietnamese Laity in Diaspora firmly states:

1. We oppose the encouragement or tolerance of priests participating in political activities that involve the exercise of secular power. We call on priests to return to their authentic pastoral mission, exemplifying the spirit of sacrifice inherent in their vocation.
2. We call upon the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam to provide clear and transparent explanations regarding the participation of priests in political structures controlled by the CPV.
3. We invite the laity to actively collaborate with clergy and religious, and to courageously engage in all areas of society—especially in politics—in order to be “salt and light” in the world.
4. The Movement of the Vietnamese Laity in Diaspora remains steadfast in living out the teachings of the Church as presented in Catholic Social Teaching.

VII. Conclusion
In communion with the Mother Church in Vietnam, we—lay faithful living abroad—remain united in heart with the Church of Christ, which continues to endure many pressures and challenges under an authoritarian regime. We trust that God’s grace is always sufficient to overcome these trials. If all members of the People of God remain united in following Christ and faithfully living His teachings, they will surely receive His blessing.

Overseas, April 20, 2026
Đỗ Như Điện

On behalf of the Vietnamese Overseas Laity Movement
Coordinator

Appendix:

List of 2 Priests Elected to the 16th National Assembly and 8 Priests Elected to Provincial/City People’s Councils (2026–2031 term)

These results were officially announced by the National Election Council on March 21, 2026.

I. National Assembly Deputies (2 Priests)

1. Fr. John the Baptist Nguyễn Văn Riễn (b. Dec 20, 1955)
• Hometown: Tân Tiến Commune, Văn Giang District, Hưng Yên Province
• Church role: Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish, Phú Cường Diocese
• Other roles: Vice President and Secretary General of the Central Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics; Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Committee; Vice President (non-full-time) of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City
• Political role: Deputy to the 16th National Assembly (Ho Chi Minh City delegation)
2. Fr. Lê Nguyên Thao (b. June 10, 1984)
• Hometown: Quỳnh Lưu District, Nghệ An Province
• Church role: Priest of Phan Thiết Diocese; Chancellor of the Bishop’s Office
• Political role: Deputy to the 16th National Assembly (Lâm Đồng delegation)

II. Provincial/City People’s Council Deputies (8 Priests)

1. Fr. Nguyễn Minh Cường (b. Nov 25, 1971) – Deputy, Lâm Đồng Province
2. Fr. Nguyễn Văn Nhứt (b. June 15, 1973) – Deputy, Khánh Hòa Province
3. Fr. Nguyễn Minh Chánh (b. Dec 19, 1975) – Deputy, Bình Phước Province
4. Fr. Nguyễn Mạnh Kỳ (b. June 10, 1965) – Deputy, Hải Phòng City
5. Fr. Martino Trần Quang Vinh (b. May 22, 1974) – Deputy, Ho Chi Minh City
6. Fr. Trịnh Tiến Thành (b. Sept 24, 1990) – Deputy, Hưng Yên Province
7. Fr. Anton Đoàn Minh Hải (b. June 23, 1956) – Deputy, Ninh Bình Province
8. Fr. Ngô Văn Vàng (b. March 7, 1964) – Deputy, Quảng Ninh Province

In addition, many other priests serve at district, commune, and ward levels, and hundreds hold leadership roles within the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics, which operates under the Communist Party through the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.