Harassment, intimidation and surveillance are a part of daily life for some of Vietnam’s most vulnerable religious minorities, including Catholics, Protestants and Hoa Hao Buddhists. They can also experience arrest, torture and extra-judicial killing. In April the UN Human Rights Committee urged Vietnam to prevent ‘all acts of undue interference’ with freedom of religion. CSW raised similar concerns in a report criticising the use of arbitrary detention and torture against those who defend freedom of religion or belief.
Sunday 28 July
Various countries and institutions are seeking closer trade ties with Vietnam- pray that they will take every opportunity to raise freedom of religion or belief issues with the Vietnamese government, and press for real change.
Monday 29 July
‘I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!’ Psalm 116:1-2 NLT. Pray this verse over Vietnam today.
Tuesday 30 July
Pray for wisdom for religious minorities experiencing discrimination, harassment and worse; that they will know how best to respond in order to keep themselves safe while standing up for their rights.
Wednesday 31 July
Ethnic minority Catholics and Protestants can experience denial of access to education and public services after conversion; some are evicted from their homes or detained and tortured. Pray for their protection today.
Thursday 1 August
Most Christians who experience problems are ethnic minorities living in rural areas such as the Central Highlands. Pray that these isolated Christians will be able to learn about their rights and stand up for them.
Friday 2 August
Thank God for the UN Human Rights Committee’s review earlier this year of Vietnam’s human rights situation, and the Committee’s strong recommendations. Pray that this will lead to decisive action and tangible improvements for all Vietnam’s religious communities.
Saturday 3 August
Lord of all, we know that you are everywhere – even in places which are remote and hard to reach for us. We ask you to spread your wings of protection over ethnic minority Christians in the Central Highlands, and restore their access to education. In Jesus’ name, Amen.