President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Central CommitteeNguyen Thien Nhan extended season’s greetings to Protestant priests andfollowers during his visit to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South)(ECVS) in Ho Chi Minh City on December 13 in the lead up to Christmas.

He spoke highly of the church’s charity activities, whileexpressing his hope that priests Protestant and followers will continuemaking more contributions to the socio-economic development and charityactivities, and joining patriotic emulation movements, thusstrengthening the national solidarity.

The VFF President informedthe priests and dignitaries at the church of religions’ socialactivities nationwide, particularly their involvement in pre-schooleducation.

He said authorities at all levels are willing tocreate conditions for religions to take part in social activities inline with law, adding that the Party and the State always respect thepeople’s rights to religious freedom in accordance to legal regulations.

PriestPhan Vinh Cu, Head of the ECVS, thanked the authorities for theirattention to the Christmas season as well as facilitation for thechurch’s activities.

On the same day, the VFF President alsovisited Le Duc Thinh, who was granted the title Knight of the GrandCross by Vatican, at his home in the city’s District 7.

Le DucThinh is the first Vietnamese Catholic to receive the title from PopeBenedict XVI, and also the first Catholic in Asia to be honoured inthis way.

The title Knight of the Grand Cross was firstintroduced in 1831 for Catholics who have made a significantcontribution to the church and charitable organisations in theircountries.-VNA