General administrator of the Assemblies of God of Vietnam Duong Thanh Lam said since its inception in 1989, the assemblies have followed the guideline of ‘living in line with God’s words, serving God, others, the Fatherland and the nation.’

Having thanked the government and local authorities for creating favourable conditions and support for the religious society in recent years, Lam said the granting of the licence reflects the government’s openness and goodwill toward religious activities in general and Protestant followers in particular.

Pastors Jeff Dove and Mark Barlift from the Assemblies of God of the US and the diocese of northern Texas called on all pastors and followers of the religious assemblies to uphold solidarity, assist compatriots, especially the poor, and make greater efforts to contribute to Vietnam.

Both Dove and Barlift said the Vietnamese government’s granting of the religious operating licence was an important foundation for the Assemblies of God of Vietnam to develop in its homeland.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Head of the government’s Committee for Religious Affairs Nguyen Thanh Xuan said he hoped that the followers of the Assemblies of God would propagate the good characteristics of Protestantism and make positive contributions to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Vietnam.

The Assemblies of God of Vietnam currently has around 40,000 followers operating in 40 provinces and cities across the country.