VietNamNet Bridge – The Baha’i Vietnam Community held its first congress in Ho Chi Minh City on March 21 to mark the Government’s recognition of the religion’s legal status.

The congress, attended by over 250 religious followers, passed the sect’s charter that has been compiled in line with the constitution and law of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The sectarian functionaries recognised the Government’s respect to religious freedom.

“It is a historic event of the entire Baha’i Vietnam community, which has built up confidence in the Government’s religious policies among followers,” Cleric Nguyen Dinh Thoa said.

Thoa is one of the nine members of the newly-elected Religious Spirit Council of the Baha’i sect.

Joan Lincoln from the Universal House of Justice under the Baha’i World described the event as an example of the Government’s sound policy on religious issues.

Lincoln said it has ushered in a dynamic development stage for the Baha’i Vietnam Community and contributed to the nation’s comprehensive development.

Introduced into Vietnam since 1954, the Baha’i faith now has almost 7,000 followers in 43 provinces and cities nationwide, concentrating in the central and southern regions.

The sect appreciates simple practice and rituals and encourages followers to contribute to socio-economic development.

(Source: VNA)