Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) Vũ Chiến Thắng hosted a reception for visiting President and CEO of the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR) and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Pastor Franklin Graham, on December 7.
Joining the reception included Director of International Relation Department Nguyễn Đức Vinh, Acting Director of the Protestant Affairs Department Thiều Thị Hương and Pastor President of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) Nguyễn Hữu Mạc.
During the reception, Chairman Vũ Chiến Thắng briefed the guests on the religious life in Vietnam as well as policies and laws of the Party and State on belief and religion. He also informed that Vietnam currently has recognized 41 religious organizations belonging to 14 religions, with over 24 million followers accounting for 27% of the population. The GCRA Chairman affirmed that State of Vietnam consistently respects and guarantees citizens’ right to freedom of belief and religion as indicated clearly in the Constitution 2013 and the Law on Belief and Religion adopted on last November.
The GCRA leader expressed hope that Pastor Franklin Graham, given his influence and credibility in the Protestant community, would contribute to promote the Vietnam-US relation and expand charitable activities in Vietnam.
Speaking to the host, Pastor Franklin Graham expressed his honor to attend the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day held in Vietnam and spoke highly of Vietnam’s policies on ensuring rights to belief and religion freedom of people. He also affirmed that the SPIR would continue its humanitarian assistance for Vietnam and promote cooperation and dialogue on belief and religion between Vietnam and US.
Chairman Vũ Chiến Thắng presents token gift to Pastor Franklin Graham
Posing for group photo
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