Socialist Republic of Vietnam

The Washington Times in its July 19 edition published an article by Thomas Jandl, entitled "Religious rights in Vietnam: Dialogue and engagement yield continued progress," with a focus on Vietnam's religious situation relating to the US’ consideration of granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to Vietnam.

The paper quoted Chris Seiple, President of the Institute for Global Engagement, as saying at a Senate hearing on July 12, that offering PNTR status to Vietnam would "send a strong signal that we respect the effort made by the Vietnamese Government so far to establish the rule of law, especially the protection of religious freedom."

The paper also quoted Sedgwick Tourison, a US veteran, as mentioning religious activities in the Southeast Asian country. "Vietnam's official statistics consider one-quarter of its more than 80 million population religious believers. Six million are considered Catholics, one million Protestants. There are Buddhists and a small pocket of Muslims, and indigenous religions have thrived as well," it said.

"And these religions don't have to hide. Christmas in Vietnam indeed sees the police out in force, but not to repress, but to cut traffic around the cathedrals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to allow for massive celebrations. The state also provides funds for the construction and upkeep of places of worship," the paper said.

Last November, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe came to Vietnam to celebrate a historic ceremony: the Vatican official ordained 57 Vietnamese priests at a ceremony that drew thousands.

Source: VNA