News Release

Vietnam Government Officially Recognizes Interim Representative Committee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In a ceremony Friday morning at the Church branch facility in Hanoi, Mr. Pham Dung, Chairman of the Vietnam Government Committee for Religious Affairs (CRA) presented official national certification to Church leaders, members and friends.  With the decision, the LDS Church in Vietnam can operate nationwide and conduct international cooperation and religious activities.  Chairman Pham Dung was joined by other members of the Committee on Religious Affairs and other Vietnam government officials. 

Eni Faleomavaega – former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the US House Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific – sent a congratulatory letter which was read at the ceremony. It expressed appreciation to the government of Vietnam and its leaders, with whom Faleomavaega and Church officials have worked closely. 

Hoang Van Tung, president of the LDS Church Hanoi district and chair of the Interim Representative Committee, said after the meeting that the Church is committed to continue abiding by the laws governing religious activity in Vietnam.  He also said the Church in Vietnam will not make further announcements for what the recognition means in specific terms for members until more details are worked out.

   

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