The government sent a draft law to Catholic leaders in the country for their comment. However Asia News has reported that some bishops see the move as a bid to "appear democratic" despite the law being able to expand government control over religious affairs.
Bishop Hoang Duc Oanh of Kontum, in central Vietnam, said that the draft legislation would violate both the constitution of Vietnam and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
He argued that it does not make sense for a government of "non-believers" to set standards for religious faith.
Monsignor Joseph Nguyen Duc Hieu is the vicar of the diocese of Bac Ninh, in the north of the country. He argued that: "Freedom of religion is a right, not a privilege.
"But the Draft Bills show many shortcomings and limitations on this right.
"All religious organizations and their dignitaries instead of enjoying the legitimate rights, have to be asking for them when they want to organize ceremonies, training, ordination."
