The Advent Christian Church Vietnam convened its second general conference in Ho Chi Minh City on December 12, with the participation of more than 400 delegates, dignitaries and followers from 30 cities and provinces nationwide.

Addressing the conference, Pham Dung, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, greeted Christian dignitaries and followers on the occasion of their general conference and the coming Christmas festival.

He stressed that with the many domestic and international participants, the event reflects the Vietnamese Party and State’s consistent policy of respecting and ensuring people’s rights to religious and belief freedom.

The Deputy Minister also affirmed the Vietnamese Party and State always acknowledge and appreciate the religious community’s positive contribution to great national unity, and pay much attention to the community’s life in all fields.

The two-day conference will review the 2008-12 operational period, elect a new Executive Board for the second tenure and adopt the 2012-16 working plan.

The Advent Christian Church received State recognition of its legal status in 2006 and was recognised by the Government Committee for Religious Affairs as a religious organisation in 2008.

During its operation, the Church’s dignitaries and followers have worked with people nationwide to contribute to national construction and protection.-VNA