Authorities destroy historic Christian building


Parishioners have held candlelight
prayer vigils for months.
Photo from
AsiaNews

On September 19, government authorities bulldozed a building in Hanoi, Vietnam after a long-standing land dispute between Christians and officials, according to a September 26 report from Compass Direct. The building, which once served as the Vatican embassy and residence, was seized in the mid-1950s by the government. Late last year, Christians began holding prayer vigils and protests in response to the government's refusal to give back the land. In February, government leaders promised to negotiate a settlement with the believers over the property on the condition that the prayer vigils ceased. The government took no action, however, and Christians resumed the vigils in August. Christian leaders are calling the government's response to the believer's peaceful protests a serious setback to the religious freedom in Vietnam. Authorities are reportedly planning to use the leveled premises for a library and park.

Pray for the government to change its mind and act justly in this situation. Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen Christians in Vietnam in their hearts, minds, and bodies as they face opposition to their faith.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Vietnam, go to our Vietnam Country Report.

  • 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.

Vietnam News