A delegation from the United Methodist Church (UMC) led by Pastor General Manager of Global Ministries Thomas Kemper visited the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) on January 19.
Welcoming the delegation were Director of the GCRA’s International Cooperation Department Nguyễn Đức Vinh and representatives of the GCRA’s Department of Protestant Affairs.
During the reception, Director Nguyễn Đức Vinh shared with the guests on functions and tasks of the Government Religious Committee, the current religious life in Vietnam, as well as state guidelines and policies on belief and religion. Vietnam is multi-religion country with 39 recognized religious organizations belonging to 15 religions and there is no religious conflict in Vietnam, he added. He also stressed that the Vietnamese Party and State always respect and guarantee the right to freedom of belief and religion for every people, and create favorable conditions for religious organizations in religious affairs and participation in social-charitable activities in Vietnam.
He also informed of the Vietnam’s Law on Belief and Religion that was passed on November 18 last year by the Vietnam’s National Assembly and will take effect on January 1, 2018.
Speaking to the hosts, Mr. Thomas Kemper thanked the GCRA for its brief information on religious situation in Vietnam. He also expressed his hope for more cooperation opportunities in charitable activities, health-care… in Vietnam in general and with the Government Committee for Religious Affairs in particular.
Presenting memorable gift to UMC delegation.
TP
