HCM CITY— The Việt Nam Baptist Churches (Southern) opened its 3rd general congress in HCM City on Wednesday, with the participation of 500 Baptist dignitaries and followers from 22 localities.

Speaking at the event, Trần Tấn Hùng, deputy chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, praised the contribution of the Baptist dignitaries and followers of charity programmes, and the poverty alleviation movement.

During the 2012-2016 period, the Việt Nam Baptist Churches (Southern) has consolidated the organisation and encouraged its followers to abide by legal regulations, becoming an integral part of great national unity.

The two-day congress reviewed the operation of the last term, elected a new executive board for the third tenure, and passed the 2017-2020 plan.

The Vietnam Baptist Church (Grace-Southern) was established in November 1962 in HCM City and was officially recognised by the Government as a religious organisation in 2008.

Source: vietnamnews.vn