Appeal for Support of the Statement by the Interfaith Council of Vietnam Regarding Efforts to Demolish Religious Institutions in Thu Thiem

September 15, 2014

- Representatives of international human rights organizations, democratic governments around the world, and news organizations

- All Vietnamese Compatriots

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On August 18, 2014, officials from An Khanh Ward, District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City informed The Venerable Thich Khong Tanh, residing abbot at Lien Tri Pagoda, that the pagoda will be closed down. The decision to close the pagoda will be implemented September 8 to September 30, 2014.

In addition to Lien Tri Pagoda, many other religious institutions are under the same threat including the Thu Thiem Catholic Church, the Congregation of the Lovers of the Holy Cross; not to mention already shuttered facilities owned by the Vietnam Evangelical Church and Mennonite Church.

The Interfaith Council of Vietnam had previously protested against the local government's decision to demolish religious institutions from Thu Thiem, despite their long record of service in the local community.

The Interfaith Council of Vietnam urgently appeal for your support and cooperation in protecting all religious institutions in Thu Thiem by cosigning the Council's Statement Regarding Religious Institutions in the New Thu Thiem City Development.

Thank you for your support in this very important effort.

Rev. Joseph Đinh Hữu Thoại, Coordinator
Interfaith Council of Vietnam

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