Christmas greetings extended to Catholics

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh wished Catholic dignitaries and followers a merry Christmas while visiting the Archdiocese of Hanoi on December 15.

Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh at the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) (ECVN) (Photo: VNA)

He informed Archbishop of the Hanoi Archdiocese Cardinal Nguyen Van Nhon about achievements Vietnam has recorded in socio-economic development and national defence over the past time, especially in the fight against corruption.

Binh applauded contributions made by religious people in general and Catholic followers in particular to such achievements.

The Deputy PM also highlighted contributions of the Hanoi Archdiocese towards the implementation of guidelines and policies of the Party, as well as policies and laws of the State.

He expressed his hope that under the leadership of Cardinal Nhon, the Hanoi Archdiocese will do more to build and protect the great national unity bloc.

On this occasion, Binh visited the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) (ECVN) where he called on Christians to carry forward the tradition of patriotism and contribute more to national construction and defence.

Pastor Nguyen Huu Mac, head of the ECVN, briefed the Deputy PM on operation outcomes of the Church in 2017, particularly its 35th General Assembly in October.

He pledged to continue coordinating with local authorities to better care for the cultural and spiritual life of Protestants.

Visiting the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics the same day, Binh urged the committee to encourage Catholic people to join hands in production, poverty reduction and national development.

Acting President and General Secretary of the committee priest Tran Xuan Manh promised that Catholic followers will lead a good life, both secularly and religiously, and strictly follow guidelines and polices of the Party and State, especially the Law on Belief and Religion.

(Source: NDO)