8/7/2024 Vietnam (International Christian Concern) — On Aug. 3, Vietnamese President To Lam was elected as the country’s next Communist Party general secretary, a move that concerns religious freedom advocates.
In his acceptance speech, the 66-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to Vietnam’s communist ideologies. Lam previously led Vietnam’s Ministery of Public Security, an agency known for its continuous crackdown on human rights activists and minority religions, such as Christianity.
“This move is bad news for Christians in Vietnam and Vietnamese Christians from minority ethnic groups who have fled Vietnam to other nations,” an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer said. “To Lam’s record against Vietnamese Christians and human rights defenders is well documented. As a ministry supporting and strengthening suffering Christians, we must watch Vietnam even closer to ensure Christians there can endure the coming trials they are almost certain to face under this new Communist Party leadership.”
Most Vietnamese practice a mix of Buddhism and ancestor worship. About 7% of Vietnam’s population is Catholic, while fewer than 3% are evangelical Christians.
Churches throughout Vietnam already face numerous challenges under communism. Although they can legally exist, those in power see churches as a threat. Communist authorities often harass churches, even officially recognized ones, especially when they evangelize or do community outreach. Churches also must report their teachings and activities to the government. Several Vietnamese Christians who have been imprisoned are missing.
U.S. officials and religious freedom advocates like ICC have recently expressed concern over religious freedom in Vietnam.
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