Hanoi (VNA) - The Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, together with the municipal Department of Justice, convened a conference on March 2 to disseminate legal policies on beliefs and religions as well as electoral law to Protestant dignitaries and followers across the capital.
The event, held at the Hanoi Bible College in outlying Hoai Duc commune, was part of preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. It drew representatives from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and more than 250 Protestant dignitaries and followers.
In his opening speech, deputy head of Division III under the municipal Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Vu Duy Hien affirmed that throughout the capital’s development, religious communities in general and Protestants in particular have remained closely connected with the broader national community. They have actively engaged in pastoral, humanitarian and charitable activities, enriched cultural life, and maintained social stability at the grassroots level.
Many congregations, he noted, have become exemplary models in building civilised, united and compassionate communities, delivering tangible support to the capital's progress.
Protestant followers in Hanoi showed a strong sense of civic responsibility and active participation in previous elections, aiding the capital’s overall success, he said, believing that pastors and preachers would continue to play a proactive role in encouraging congregants to fulfill their civic rights and obligations, ensuring that the upcoming election proceeds democratically, safely and in full compliance with the law
Pastor Nguyen Huu Mac, Rector of the Hanoi Bible College, underscored the event’s significance in clarifying legal regulations for religious dignitaries and followers, particularly regarding citizens’ electoral rights and obligations. This, he said, would enable them to properly exercise their civic duties and contribute to the success of this important election.
Thieu Thi Huong, head of the Protestant Affairs Division under the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, presented key and fundamental contents of the law on beliefs and religions alongside election-related rules. A number of questions were also answered, especially those tied to real-world applications and forthcoming electoral tasks./.
