IRREVERENT REVERENDS ILLUSTRATE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM'S

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HO CHI MINH CITY 000678 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, DRL/AWH AND DRL/IRF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KIRF PHUM PGOV PREL VM SUBJECT: IRREVERENT REVERENDS ILLUSTRATE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM'S PROGRESS HO CHI MIN 00000678 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: While remaining dedicated to their individual faiths, some religious leaders in HCMC are becoming increasingly more daring in their religious sermons, even in front of mixed congregations of expatriates and locals. Vietnamese and foreigners are worshiping together both in formal and informal settings in greater numbers--something that would not have been tolerated by authorities just a few years ago. The picture is not entirely rosy, however. Though larger institutions are pushing the limits in their messages without repercussions, smaller, unrecognized churches continue to report a watchful eye on their activities. End summary. Free Speech From the Pulpit -------------- ¶2. (SBU) During the recent 50th Anniversary of the Grace Baptist Church in Vietnam, an American reverend from the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee led the services and did not shy away from talking about the brutal realities he experienced as a soldier in the Vietnam War, but toned down his message by coming back to the theme of walking with Jesus. More surprisingly, perhaps, he also took a moment to praise local and national government authorities for their efforts in improving religious freedom in Vietnam - including the GVN's 2008 national recognition of the Vietnam Baptist Convention. The reverend's Southern Baptist zeal was a striking contrast to typically sober and traditional religious services in Vietnam. With wide eyes, clapping hands, and even the occasional 'Amen!,' GVN officials present as observers appeared to enjoy the atypical event as much as the congregants. The audience itself was representative of attendees at an increasing number of large religious celebrations in Vietnam: local Vietnamese worshipers, GVN officials, and foreign guests both official and religious. Reverend Huy, the leader of the Grace Baptist Church, reported no negative fallout from local authorities regarding the American reverend's spirited sermon and the reverend told ConGenoff that he intends to repeat his sermon at many other churches around the country, especially in Hanoi. ¶3. (SBU) Similarly, at the Seventh Day Adventist's 80th Anniversary celebration in October, a Vietnamese American pastor who formerly headed the Adventists and escaped to the U.S. during the war, used parables from the Bible to illustrate his theme--all Christians are subject to the authority of their government, but God is the ultimate authority in heaven and on earth. Though he repeatedly thanked GVN officials in attendance for promulgating religious freedom and exhorted the congregation to work within the GVN's legal framework, he also made it clear that the laws of man are subordinate to the laws of God and used several apt examples to illustrate his points, including Daniel being placed in the lion's den for disobeying man's law but protected by God for staying true to his faith, Jesus telling his followers to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, but unto God what is God's, and Jesus being judged by a government official - Pontius Pilate. As with the Grace Baptist celebration, the audience was a mix of local and foreign adherents and officials, and despite the controversial nature of the pastor's sermon, Adventist leaders reported no issues with authorities afterwards. ¶4. (SBU) Catholic priests, however, seem to enjoy the most freedom of speech in HCMC. At a recent Catholic mass in Ho Chi Minh City, priest Father Toan discussed the immorality of corruption, and while not explicitly condemning government authorities, certainly implied that Vietnam had much work to do in this arena. In contrast to the accounts of church leaders from unregistered house churches, Father Toan reported no problems discussing such topics. The relative freedom of speech Catholic leaders enjoy could be a factor of their large size and influence, and would explain the lack of leeway authorities accord to smaller, newer Christian groups. Foreign Ties Flourishing -------------- ¶5. (SBU) After 1975, many Protestant missionaries were forced to leave Vietnam and Vietnamese Protestant groups faced serious problems with authorities if they attempted to establish HO CHI MIN 00000678 002.2 OF 002 relationships with foreigners, especially Americans. Grace Baptist Church, founded in 1959 by American missionaries, has always maintained a close relationship with their American brethren. Reverend Huy works closely with his counterparts in the US and now that the church enjoys national recognition, he plans to continue integrating the mission of the Vietnam church with that of the U.S. based church and the rest of the world-wide leadership structure. The church is in the process of installing a simultaneous translation system to allow more foreigners to comfortably attend Vietnamese services. In addition, Huy is looking for candidates to send to the U.S. for advanced religious education programs in order to expand his church's missionary work throughout Vietnam. ¶6. (SBU) While mixed congregations are becoming more commonplace for large, sanctioned Christian groups, some smaller ones are also encouraging cross-cultural worship. Agape Outreach Church (AOC),an unrecognized Protestant congregation founded in 1991, still conducts services in a rented room with fold-up chairs, but is trying to expand and develop as quickly as possible. AOC leader, Pastor Duong Quang Vinh, hopes to find a permanent location in Ho Chi Minh City by 2010. Pastor Vinh holds services in both Vietnamese and English and devotes a large part of the church's outreach efforts towards attracting more foreign as well as Vietnamese followers. AOC often has guest speakers preach in English while Pastor Vinh does his own simultaneous translation. During the service ConGenOff attended, frequent visitor and guest Pastor "Sonny" from Singapore gave the primary sermon. Despite their unrecognized house church status, Pastor Vinh reports no current problems in carrying out services with foreigners in attendance. ¶7. (SBU) Likewise, the local congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while predominantly Vietnamese, also has several expat families from the United States, Japan, Korea and Europe that attend services. The church provides simultaneous interpretation, and all parishioners (foreign and local) take turns giving sermons throughout the year on topics assigned by local leadership. The congregation has reported no difficulties in its blended approach. The church also has blended weekly scripture study courses as well as blended weekly activities for youth at the church. ¶8. (SBU) Blended foreign and Vietnamese Bible study groups also appear to be on the rise. At the AOC and Grace Baptist Church, members were eager to extend ConGenOff an invitation to join smaller Bible study groups which meet more informally during the week. Some are geared towards adults and others towards youth, but all focus on deepening members' understanding of the Bible as well as promoting cross-cultural exchanges. No problems in carrying out such meetings have been reported. Comment -------------- ¶9. (SBU) The outspokenness of some church leaders and the increasing diversity of their congregations is a sign that the GVN is getting more comfortable with freedom of religion over time. GVN officials are now routinely attending celebratory events held by sanctioned church groups, and while religious leaders' main messages are still focused on their faith, they are clearly more comfortable introducing topics that would have been considered taboo in the past. Despite these advances, some Vietnamese church leaders are quick to point out that more progress is needed. While sanctioned churches may feel more at ease pushing the envelope in their sermons, many smaller and less established churches still fall under the microscope of the GVN. Protestant house church leaders told ConGenoff that as long as they "stick to the gospel," they have no problems. Another Protestant pastor said that while exchanges between church leaders and government officials are increasing, "the conversation is still one-sided." End comment. ¶10. (U) This cable was coordinated with Embassy Hanoi. FAIRFAX