09/18/2013 10:04 VIETNAM Bishop of Vinh concerned by regime attacks, appeals for international support In an interview with AsiaNews , Msgr . Paul Nguyen Thai Hop speaks of “a dangerous and worrying situation” for the Christians of the diocese, who are under the scrutiny of the Vietnamese authorities. He calls for the respect of human rights and the release of jailed parishioners. He also calls for ” solidarity and support ” for an end to ” lies and slander .”
Vinh (AsiaNews ) – “We are very concerned about the situation of the diocese of Vinh . We can not say how long the attacks, the lies, the slander will continue. It is a dangerous and worrying situation for Christians”, says Msgr . Paul Nguyen Thai Hop, Bishop of Vinh diocese in the north of the country. In recent weeks, the prelate and his diocese have been the target of a violent attack – not just verbal – from the media and the Vietnamese authorities. Catholic leaders fear further reprisals, the faithful, meanwhile, gather around the prelate and participate in Mass and religious functions , emphasizing the value of unity that characterizes and distinguishes the local Church. “We want peace, freedom and dignity of human rights ,” said Msgr. Paul AsiaNews , but “unfortunately this is not dependent on our will.”
