Ha Thi Khiet, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation, extended her best Christmas wishes to Christians when visiting the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) and the Archdiocese of Hanoi on December 18.

Khiet, who is also Secretary of the Party Central Committee, said she is delighted at the sustainable development of the Church, and highly valued its contributions to encouraging followers to participate in national construction and defence.

She expressed her hope that the Church will continue working together with local authorities to take care of the material and spiritual lives of its followers.

Pastor Nguyen Huu Mac stated that the Party and State’s policies have helped followers keep their mind in religious activities, and develop production to improve their living standards.

He briefed Khiet on main activities of the Church in the past time, including the successful organisation of the 34th General Assembly of General Confederation of Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) and the establishment of the Hanoi Divinity and Bible school.

At the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Khiet congratulated the Vietnam Episcopal Council on successfully holding its regular congress. She affirmed that the country’s gained achievements have positive contribution of the Catholic people.

Archbishop Nguyen Van Nhon said that he hopes authorities will continue paying attention to and creating favourable conditions for all Catholic people in religious activities.

On the same day, a delegation of the Steering Committee for the Central Highlands region and representatives from the Religious Department of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai visited and presented gifts to Catholic people in the locality on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas.

Also on the occasion, leaders from southern Dong Nai province’s authorities visited and extended Christmas wishes to Catholic dignitaries and followers there.-VNA