Addressing the ceremony, Bui Thanh Ha, deputy head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, stressed that the current Renewal process requires the entire Vietnamese people, including religious followers, to make a greater contribution to building a prosperous nation and an equal, democratic and civilized society.

He reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of respecting and guaranteeing its citizens’ rights to freedom of religions and beliefs. All religions are equal before law and without discrimination, said the official.

He expressed his belief that this policy, together with the results of the convention, will chart the course for the church to operate in line with principles clearly stated in its charter.

The convention elected a 9-member executive council led by Pastor Dinh Thien Tu.

The Christian Fellowship Church of Vietnam was established in 1962 after being split from the Southern Evangelical Church of Vietnam. It was legally recognized by the State as a religious organization in June 2010.