The event attracts nearly 700 Baptist dignitaries and followers from 44 provinces and cities in Vietnam.

Distinguished guests at the congress included Vice Chairman of the GCRA Trần Tấn Hùng, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee VFF Lê Bá Trình and representatives from International Baptist Church and Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF).

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Trần Tấn Hùng stated that the current number of followers of the Vietnam Baptist Church (Southern) in 44 cities and provinces across the country has rised to over 43,000, from under 20,000 followers in 2008, and the Church is the second Protestant denomination in Vietnam to have set up the representative board in 10 provinces and cities. Through social and charitable foundations and programs, the Church has contributed to build 165 charity houses, presented 35 tons of rice and 2,300 gift sets to children for the past term (2012-2016), informed the Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.

Vice Chairman Trần Tấn Hùng also urged the Baptist Church to promote unity, as well as called on competent authorities to always guide and create favorable conditions for religious practices and social activities of the Vietnam Baptist Church (Southern) in particular, and religious organizations in general.

PV