Catholics were not suppressed: VNA

HA NOI — A number of web pages, including Asianews.it, have run slanderous stories referring to the recent removal of a cross illegally planted on Nui Che Mount in An Phu Commune’s Dong Chiem Village in Ha Noi’s suburban district of My Duc.

These stories were later broadcast on Radio Vaticana and Radio Maria, leading to misunderstandings and concern in the international community.

The Vietnam News Agency has been authorised to reject these wrongful and ill-intentioned reports that aimed to undermine the great national unity, and reaffirm that Dong Chiem parishioners were not suppressed by local authorities.

On March 3-4, 2009, Dong Chiem Parish’s Priest Nguyen Van Huu incited a number of parishioners to illegally plant a cross on Nui Che Mount which is public land under An Phu Commune’s management.

The planting of the religious symbol violated Viet Nam’s Land Law, Law on Construction and the Ordinance of Beliefs and Religions as it was carried out without proper licences.

Representatives of Dong Chiem Parish admitted to local authorities in a written note dated March 11, 2009, that the spontaneous erection of the cross by the Dong Chiem Parish and parishioners was illegal and violated the Land Law.

From March to December 2009, local authorities had patiently persuaded and encouraged Priest Huu and other parishioners to voluntarily remove the cross, but they deliberately defied the authorities’ words.

On January 6, 2010, the Dong Chiem Village’s authorities carried out the work themselves in accordance to procedures and rulings stipulated by Viet Nam’s legal system.

While handling the case, the Dong Chiem authorities warned Priest Huu over his incitement of local parishioners to violate the law, luring Catholic followers from other places to Dong Chiem for illegal religious activities and failing to co-operate with the local government to stabilise the situation.

The Vietnam News Agency reiterates Viet Nam’s consistent policy of respecting the religious beliefs of Vietnamese citizens and being determined to ensure the law is properly enforced. The robust development of religions, the rich religious life and practices of the people, particularly ongoing activities marking the Christian Year 2010 constitute a vivid evidence of the freedom to religions and beliefs in Viet Nam. — VNS