Appeals Denied

After a hearing that lasted just over two hours on the morning of April 12, a superior court in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, upheld the prison sentences of Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang and Evangelist Pham Ngoc Thach.

Le Thi Phu Dung
wife of Pastor Quang
More than 200 people gathered outside the courthouse to silently pray and show their support for the prisoners of faith.  It was obvious, however, that Vietnamese authorities had little intention in seeing that the legal rights of the two men would be upheld, as the court proceedings violated Vietnam's own appeal regulations.  Bui Duc Truong, the lawyer who defended the Mennonite prisoners at their November 12, 2004 trial, was not allowed to participate in the appeal.  Their new attorney, Nguyen Van Dai, only learned of the appeal date on April 4, contrary to Vietnamese law which requires at least 15 days' notice be given before the court date.  The men's families had not been sent the legally required announcements and invitation to attend the appeal.  Pastor Quang's wife and Thach's father were allowed into the courthouse only after strong advocacy from their lawyer.  Neither Quang or Thach were allowed to speak in their own defense at the appeal.

The prisoners are reported to be in good health and spirits. His lawyer said that Pastor Quang had told him: "I am content until I am released. I am a pastor. I have faith. God will take care of me."  Quang is reportedly ministering to fellow prisoners who are HIV-positive.

Unless granted amnesty, Quang is scheduled to be released in June 2007.  Thach is to be released in March 2006.

Pray for the continued ministry of Quang and Thach as they remain in prison because of their faith.  Pray for strength and an enduring peace for their families.  Pray for the continued ministry of the Church in Vietnam. 

VOM Canada recently released a video news report about the Mennonite Six through their multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.  This video includes testimony from former prisoners and family members, such as the wife of Pastor Quang.  Registration is required, but membership is free.

Concerned Christians are encouraged to write Vietnamese authorities.  An advocate's pack, along with more information on the persecution of Christians in Vietnam, is available through our website.

  • Current Ministry Project

    By helping to provide solid Biblical teaching and training uniquely suited to the needs of a specific tribal group, VOMC is able to equip members of Vietnam’s persecuted church to stand firm in their faith and reach out to others in their communities with the powerful message of the Gospel.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Population
    104,799,174 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Kinh [Viet] (85.3), Tay (1.9), Thai (1.9), Muong (1.5), Khmer (1.5), Mong (1.4), Nung (1.1), Hoa (1), others (5.5)

    Religion (%)
    Catholic (6.1), Buddhist (7.9), Protestant (1), Other (0.8) none (86.3%)

    Leader
    President To Lam (May 2024)

    Government type
    Communist state

    Legal system
    Civil law system

    Source: CIA World Factbook

    Pray for Vietnam

    We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by governmental stipulations but rather encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God – relying on Him for the wisdom, diplomacy and favour required to deal appropriately with the authorities. Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of the country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

  • Pray for Vietnam
    We can thank the Lord for the tremendous witnessing efforts and steadfast faith demonstrated by the persecuted Christians of Vietnam. May they not be intimidated by governmental stipulations but rather encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God – relying on Him for the wisdom, diplomacy and favour required to deal appropriately with the authorities. Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of the country’s leaders, especially those who are responsible for implementing and administering Vietnam's laws, so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive.

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Vietnam News

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    Photo: Wikipedia / Vuong Tri Binh (cc)

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