Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hanoi (Agenzia Fides) – The eight Vietnamese Catholics of the parish church in Thai Ha, accused of “disorder and damages to state property” after having prayed on land that formerly belonged to the Church and was later seized by Vietnamese authorities (see Fides 2/12/2008), have been found guilty, albeit with a deferred penalty (they will not be taken to prison yet).
On December 8, the Populare Court of Dong Da (in Hanoi) declared the verdict: seven of them have been sentenced to 12-15 months in prison, and the eight, has been given an official warning.
Their case is being followed by a crowd of Christians who have gathered in prayer outside the Court, to show their support and solidarity with their brethren in the faith. The Catholic community of the Redemptorist monastery of Thai Ha (both religious and lay faithful) have also followed the events closely, organizing non-violent public demonstrations to affirm the innocence of their brethren, and spread awareness of the discrimination being shown towards the Catholic community, in the violation of their rights.
Many Catholic communities in the country have organized prayer vigils in solidarity with the faithful of Thai Ha, praying for them, for peace, and for the state authorities, invoking justice and reconciliation from God.
Intervening in the case, as well, are the Bishops of Vietnam who, in an official statement recently expressed their perspective and affirmed that the Thai Ha case, like many other situations, shows the lack of clarity in Church-State relations on ecclesial goods and properties that have been seized in the past. The Church today is calling for the restitution of these things, in order to continue on with its pastoral and social activities, expressing its willingness to work in the construction of a harmonious and peaceful society. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2008)
