The Catholic Social Activities and the Vietnamese State’s Policy: The Case of the Martino Student Charity Community in Hanoi

Abstract

During the period of renovation of the country, the Vietnamese State has implemented a tolerant policy on religious affairs. Accordingly, the Vietnamese State has encouraged legal religious organizations, including Catholic congregations, to engage in social activities, particularly charitable ones. The study generally analyses the impacts of the Vietnamese State’s policy on Catholic engagement in social activities. It then pays attention to the specific case of the Martino Student Charity Community in Hanoi. Finally, the study highlights the significance of the collaboration of the Vietnamese State and the religious organizations in developing the country.