Thich Gia Quang (R), Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council, congratulates the 35th General Assembly of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam, October 17, 2017.

The convention will discuss amendments to Church rules and elect a new Executive Board for the 2017-2021 term. Bui Thanh Ha, Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, said: “Vietnam pursues a consistent policy of respecting and ensuring freedom of religion and belief but prohibits actions that sabotage national unity under the cloak of religion. This is clearly stipulated in the Law on Belief and Religion that will come into force next year."

Ha said he hopes that the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) will continue its journey with the nation and become a role model in national unity.

The General Assembly will run until Thursday.