Religion in Vietnam

"The Cao Dai religion is divided into a group formed in 1926, which strives to be independent, and Cao Dai 1997. The government created the 1997 “Cao Dai Tay Ninh Sect,” appointing leaders loyal to the Vietnamese Communist Party and transferring religious properties and assets of the religion, including its Holy See in Tay Ninh Province, to the new sect. It has since assumed the identity of the Cao Dai Religion, occupied its Holy See, and seized most of its temples. Sect members are accused of committing severe violations of [civil] rights, including torture, with the aim of converting Cao Dai 1926 followers."

"Thich Minh Tue does not claim to be a monk but he has become a symbol for many Buddhists by drawing attention to what many people say is the lack of religious freedom in Vietnam. Freedom of religion is technically enshrined in Vietnam’s constitution but Tue does not belong to a Buddhist sect that is recognized by the state. Without recognition, religious groups are not allowed to organize."