Standing Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình extended visits to Hanoi Archdiocese, the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) and the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics on December 15, ahead of the Christmas festival 2017.
The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by representative leaders of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Central Committee, the Central Party Committee’s Commission on Mass Mobilization and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.
During the visiting reception in Hanoi Archdiocese, while extending merry Christmas to Catholic dignitaries and followers, the government leader informed Archbishop of the Hanoi Archdiocese Cardinal Peter Nguyễn Văn Nhơn about achievements Vietnam has recorded in socio-economic development and national defense over the past time, especially the fight against corruption.
Deputy PM Trương Hòa Bình applauded contributions made by religious people in general and Catholic followers in particular to such achievements.
He also highlighted contributions of the Hanoi Archdiocese to implementing guidelines and policies of the Party, as well as policies and laws of the State, and expressed hope that under the leadership of Cardinal Peter Nguyễn Văn Nhơn, the Hanoi Archdiocese will do more to build and protect the great national unity bloc.
Deputy PM Trương Hòa Bình (L) and Cardinal Archbishop of Hanoi Peter Nguyễn Văn Nhơn
During the welcoming reception hosted by Pastor President of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) Nguyễn Hữu Mạc, Deputy PM Trương Hòa Bình wished Protestant dignitaries, deacons and followers a happy Christmas festival. On the occasion, he called on Protestants to upheld fine traditions and contribute more to national construction and defense.
Pastor President Nguyễn Hữu Mạc also took the chance to brief the Deputy PM on 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 cultural and spiritual life of Protestants.
Deputy PM Trương Hòa Bình visit Catholic solidarity committee.
Speaking during the welcoming reception hosted by the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics the same day, the Deputy PM 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 Joseph Trần Xuân Mạnh 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.
PTT
