This event was co-organized by the Institute for Religious Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Glocal.net Organization from the U.S.

Attending the seminar included large numbers of researchers and religious practioners in Vietnam and the United States, and representatives of several State agencies and social organizations in Vietnam. 

During the seminar, PhD John Hartley from Yale University shared his view that society should regard religion as a source of capital, on a par with economic, political and cultural capital; PhD Jo Anne Lyon who had participated in anti Vietnam war demonstrations in the U.S. stressed the three golden rules of living harmony between people; and PhD Elijah M. Brown and several other scholars spoke highly of the religious role in economic development and social stability.

Especially, Pastor Brian Warth from Los Angeles reflected the positive influence of religion on the convicted by telling his own story of how a 16-year-old convicted transformed to be a pastor with thousands of followers after reading the Bible given by an inmate in the prison. 

Vietnamese researchers and practioners also exchanged on the current law and policies on belief and religion in Vietnam, and informed that Vietnamese laws and policies on belief and religion are gradually improving to meet the people's right to freedom of religion and belief.

TP