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-economicdevelopment over the past 100 years.
The Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) (ECVN North) gathers over 100,000followers who practice the religion at 15 chapters, according to the GovernmentCommittee for Religious Affairs.
The church’s charter prescribes social responsibility of each protestant whoshould support needy people, join efforts in building the society, participatein social work in their localities, maintain solidarity, respect law andfulfill citizens’ obligations.
Pastors and protestants have united and engaged in patriotic movements as wellas major campaigns launched by the Vietnam Fatherland Front, along withhumanitarian activities.
During its 35th General Assembly in October 2017, the ECVN North reported that thechurch 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 mountainousprovinces and donated land, money and 1,300 working days to the construction of16 roads in the northern mountainous province of Thai Nguyen.
According to the Hanoi Evangelical Church, 52 drug detoxification centres ofevangelical 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 schoolviolence, encouraging HIV carriers to access medical services and assistingdisabled children and orphans.
Bui Thanh Ha, deputy head of the GovernmentCommittee for Religious Affairs said the State has recognised or grantedoperational licences to 41 organisations of 15 religions, with about 25.3million followers.
Religious people have actively contributed to national socio-economicdevelopment, construction and defence and ensuring social welfare, the officialsaid.-VNA
VNA
