Hanoi(VNA) – Standing Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh wished Catholicdignitaries and followers a merry Christmas while visiting the Archdiocese ofHanoi on December 15.
He informed Archbishop of the Hanoi Archdiocese Cardinal Nguyen Van Nhon aboutachievements Vietnam has recorded in socio-economic development and nationaldefence over the past time, especially the fight against corruption.
Binh applauded contributions made by religious people in general and Catholicfollowers in particular to such achievements.
The Deputy PM also highlighted contributions of the Hanoi Archdiocese toimplementing guidelines and policies of the Party, as well as policies and lawsof the State.
He expressed his hope that under the leadership of Cardinal Nhon, the HanoiArchdiocese will do more to build and protect the great national unity bloc.
On this occasion, Binh visited the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) (ECVN)where he called on Christians to carry forward the tradition of patriotism andcontribute more to national construction and defence.
Pastor Nguyen Huu Mac, head of the ECVN, briefed the Deputy PM on operationoutcomes of the Church in 2017, particularly its 35th GeneralAssembly in October.
He pledged to continue coordinating with local authorities to better care forcultural and spiritual life of Protestants.
Visiting the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics the same day,Binh urged the committee to encourage Catholic people to join hands inproduction, poverty reduction and national development.
Acting President and General Secretary of the committee priest Tran Xuan Manhpromised that Catholic followers will lead a good life, both secularly andreligiously, and strictly follow guidelines and polices of the Party and State,especially the Law on Belief and Religion.-VNA