Senior Vietnamese officials visited and extended Christmas greetings tothe Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) in Hanoi on December 20,expressing hope that it will reap more successes next year.

Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Le BaTrinh said that the Party and State always want to make it easier forthe church to spread its operations.

Deputy head of theGovernment’s Committee for Religious Affairs Bui Thanh Ha said he wishesthe church a Christmas season of joy, happiness and peace.

Pastor Nguyen Huu Mac, head of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam(North), said the front and committee’s assistance have cheeredProtestant dignitaries and followers, showing strong links in thegreat national unity.

He expressed hope for more State and Government attention to its work, contributing to a prosperous and civilised nation.

Earlier on December 19, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi City People’sCommittee Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc also conveyed Christmas congratulationsto the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) and its Hanoi chapter.

The Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) groups over 100,000followers, primarily in the northern mountainous provinces of Dien Bien,Cao Bang and Lai Chau. Over 1,000 of them are members of the Hanoichapter.

The same day, senior officials of the centralprovince of Ha Tinh congratulated and presented gifts to the Dioceseof Vinh.

They hailed the local Catholic community for its help in key resettlement projects and social security and order.

On the occasion, Catholic Party members in Can Loc district, Ha Tinhprovince were also honoured for their contributions to society.

From December 18-20, top officials of Yen Bai, Dak Lak and Vinh Longprovinces also called at and conveyed wishes to Catholic and Protestantmissionaries.-VNA