Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) Nguyễn Ánh Chức paid a visit on April 12 to Nha Trang Diocese which hosted the first annual meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam (CBCV).
Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ánh Chức, accompanied by representatives of the GCRA’s Catholic Affairs Department and the Khanh Hoa provincial Committee for Religious Affairs, was warmly welcomed by Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh, President of the CBCV cum Archbishop of Hue and other archbishops and bishops of the CBCV’s Standing Committee.
Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ánh Chức (L) and Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh
Speaking during the visiting reception, while extending congratulatory wishes to dignitaries and followers of the Vietnam Catholic Church on occasion of the CBCV’s annual meeting, Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ánh Chức highly appreciated practical contributions made by Catholics. to the Covid-19 epidemic prevention and relief supplies sent to flood-hit victims in the Central region last year.
The Vice Chairman stated that Government of Vietnam consistently implements the policy of respecting and protecting the right to freedom of belief and religion of people.
He expressed hope that the Catholic church, dioceses, parishes, congregations would encourage lay people to proactively participate the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for 2021- 2026 tenure.
Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh, President of the CBCV cum Archbishop of Hue took the chance to thank the GCRA for its due attention and support extended to the Vietnam Catholic Church over the past years.
On the occasion, Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ánh Chức sent a floral bouquet to Bishop Joseph Võ Đức Minh of Nha Trang diocese on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination.
