Photo: Pexels / Quang Nguyen Vinh
While a Catholic priest was meeting with approximately 20 worshippers in a private residence on August 11th, local police abruptly cut off the power supply of the building and proceeded to raid the gathering, demanding an immediate cessation of the service. This incident occurred in Binh Khang – a village located in Vietnam's northeastern province of Thái Nguyên – at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Authorities arrested three individuals during the incident: the homeowner, the mentioned leader of the local Catholic community, and another church member. Multiple worshippers, including the priest, posted video footage of the police raid on social media.
Although no official reason was given for the arrests, one local official can be heard on video questioning the attendees about their hometowns. In Vietnam, religious activity permits are frequently denied if applicants are not from the immediate area. However, in this case, it is believed that all those present at the worship gathering were local parishioners.
For previously published reports addressing the challenges encountered by Christians in this Southeast Asian nation, go to our country profile.
- Pray for the swift and safe release of the three church members who were arrested during this recent raid.
- May the governmental opposition faced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Vietnam subside.
- Intercede on behalf of all those in this country who are currently opposed to the Gospel message, praying that they would be receptive to the ministry of the Holy Spirit and, therefore, drawn to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.
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