US Religious Official Visits Central Highland Province
President of the US's Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) Chris Seiple on Tuesday visited the Central Highland province of Gia Lai on June 28 to inquire into the religious atmosphere there.
Seiple later said the visit brought him “fresh information” on the religious situation in the Central Highlands in general that the international community and international organizations have yet to obtain.
He also said that his trip to Gia Lai will help improve the relationship between Vietnam and other countries, particularly between Vietnam and the US.
President Seiple visited the Phu Tho Church in Pleiku city, which was built in 1961 and now serves as a place of worship for around 4,000 parishioners, the majority of whom are ethnic minorities.
President Seiple also visited the family of pastor Siu Kim, a member of the Executive Board of the General Confederation of the Southern Vietnam Protestant Church (South), who oversees religious activities in Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces.
Local religious situation
There are four major religions in Gia Lai, namely Catholism, Protestantism, Buddhism and the Cao Dai sect, said Le Viet Huong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, told the President during their meeting.
These religions have about 236,000 followers, accounting for 22 percent of the province's population, he added.
Protestantism alone boasts more than 70,000 followers and more than 20 councils.
According to the vice chairman, religious followers have the freedom to practise their religions and build churches and pagodas.
The provincial People's Committee recently permitted the Theology Institute of the Southern Protestant Church to open the first theology class in the province, providing training for 46 monks, nuns, and followers who will then become pastors managing Protestant chapters.
Huong also affirmed that the province not only respects the freedom of religion but also pays attention to ensure a peaceful life for the local community.
Vietnam News Agency, June 29, 2005
