Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – With about 80 organisations, sects and groups under the State management and about one million followers, Protestantism has significantly contributed to national socio-economic development over the past 100 years.
The Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) (ECVN North) gathers over 100,000 followers who practice the religion at 15 chapters, according to the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.
The church’s charter prescribes social responsibility of each protestant who should support needy people, join efforts in building the society, participate in social work in their localities, maintain solidarity, respect law and fulfill citizens’ obligations.
Pastors and protestants have united and engaged in patriotic movements as well as major campaigns launched by the Vietnam Fatherland Front, along with humanitarian activities.
During its 35th General Assembly in October 2017, the ECVN North reported that the church has enthusiastically responded to programmes on ensuring social welfare, building a new life in residential areas and reducing poverty.
Between 2013 and 2017, it presented 8,500 gifts to children in mountainous provinces and donated land, money and 1,300 working days to the construction of 16 roads in the northern mountainous province of Thai Nguyen.
According to the Hanoi Evangelical Church, 52 drug detoxification centres of evangelical churches nationwide were established over the past 21 years, helping more than 1,900 people escape from drugs.
The evangelical churches have also contributed to fighting domestic and school violence, encouraging HIV carriers to access medical services and assisting disabled children and orphans.
Bui Thanh Ha, deputy head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs said the State has recognised or granted operational licences to 41 organisations of 15 religions, with about 25.3 million followers.
Religious people have actively contributed to national socio-economic development, construction and defence and ensuring social welfare, the official said.-VNA
VNA
