In December we published our ‘Belief and Belonging’ report – a unique exploration into the specific challenges faced by religious minorities in indigenous communities in Vietnam, India, Mexico and Colombia. Our research has shown that those in remote areas of Vietnam who are both ethnic and religious minorities often suffer the most severe abuses of their right to freedom of religion or belief.

The violations perpetrated by the Vietnamese authorities include pressure to recant religious beliefs, forced eviction, beatings, torture, imprisonment, threats, confiscation of religious materials and damage to religious buildings. Some have been denied access to education – another clear violation of their human rights.

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Sunday 23 April

Praise God for all who shared their stories for the ‘Belief and Belonging’ report. Give thanks for all who worked with us to carry out this important research, to shine a light on the specific violations faced by religious minorities in Vietnam’s indigenous communities.

Monday 24 April

Members of religious minority groups from indigenous communities, such as ethnic Montagnard Christians and Khmer Krom Buddhists, are especially vulnerable to harassment and abuse from the authorities because of their religious beliefs. Ask God to protect these groups from all harm.

Tuesday 25 April

Last December, a Khmer Krom Buddhist community in southern Vietnam received a letter from the authorities, ordering them to demolish their religious hall. So far, this demolition has not been carried out. Pray that this order would be revoked, and that no other indigenous community would face threats of demolition to their places of worship.

Wednesday 26 April

Churches in Christian ethnic minority communities and their followers have experienced being monitored, harassed, fined, and having their practice restricted or prohibited. In some cases, followers have been arrested. Pray that fear and intimidation would give way to peace and harmony.

Thursday 27 April

A number of Christians from the Central Highlands region, including church leaders, have been forced to leave the country due to the severity of the human rights violations perpetrated against them. Pray for comfort and provision for those who have been forced into exile.

Friday 28 April

Give thanks for the opportunity to share our ‘Belief and Belonging’ report with the UK FoRB Forum. Pray that it would continue to be read widely, inspiring policymakers to take concrete action to protect the rights of indigenous peoples in Vietnam.

Saturday 29 April

Father God, we lift up the communities in Vietnam who are especially vulnerable because of both their religious and indigenous identities. Cause those in power to cease every form of harassment against them, and instead choose to respect and uphold freedom of religion or belief for all. Amen.

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