President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan extended season’s greetings to Protestant priests and followers during his visit to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South) (ECVS) in Ho Chi Minh City on December 13 in the lead up to Christmas.

He spoke highly of the church’s charity activities, while expressing his hope that priests Protestant and followers will continue making more contributions to the socio-economic development and charity activities, and joining patriotic emulation movements, thus strengthening the national solidarity.

The VFF President informed the priests and dignitaries at the church of religions’ social activities nationwide, particularly their involvement in pre-school education.

He said authorities at all levels are willing to create conditions for religions to take part in social activities in line with law, adding that the Party and the State always respect the people’s rights to religious freedom in accordance to legal regulations.

Priest Phan Vinh Cu, Head of the ECVS, thanked the authorities for their attention to the Christmas season as well as facilitation for the church’s activities.

On the same day, the VFF President also visited Le Duc Thinh, who was granted the title Knight of the Grand Cross by Vatican, at his home in the city’s District 7.

Le Duc Thinh is the first Vietnamese Catholic to receive the title from Pope Benedict XVI, and also the first Catholic in Asia to be honoured in this way.

The title Knight of the Grand Cross was first introduced in 1831 for Catholics who have made a significant contribution to the church and charitable organisations in their countries.-VNA