Spero News

previous more

Spero News / vietnam

Kill Anything that Moves: a chronicle of American crimes in Southeast Asia
Vietnam: With 18,000 businesses in trouble, Hanoi proposes tax plan
The government plans tax cuts and financial incentives to boost growth and stave off the crisis. Proposal will go to National Assembly by the end of the month. Ministry data show that 17,735 businesses shut down or cut production. In April, the Consumer Price Index saw its lowest rise. The price of ...
Vietnam: For Vesak, Hanoi increases controls and threatens "unofficial" monks
Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (Cubv), outlawed movement and victim of persecution, targeted by the authorities. In the central provinces celebrations prohibited and billboards and banners removed. Activists denounce "continuous harassment" of religious leaders, including Patriarch under house ...
Vietnam: To do business, more than half of Vietnamese companies pay bribes
Research by Chamber of Commerce confirms that half of the companies must pay bribes for contracts and permits. The vice-president of the body speaks of short-sighted policies that in the "long term" undermine " business and competitiveness." The proposals: wage increase for civil servants and harsh ...
Vietnam: In Kon Tum, Catholics pray in private homes since the government seized their church
The authorities in Hi?u Ð?o confiscated the building 30 years ago and have not returned it yet. Nevertheless, the number of believers keeps on growing through conversions. "We are convinced that God will return the altar to us," local bishop tells AsiaNews.
Vietnam: Through prayer and solidarity, Catholics celebrate Holy Week in Ho Chi Minh City
During Lent, parishes promoted moments of meeting and communion to strengthen the faith. For the archbishop of Saigon, Lent is the ideal time "to renew religious life and consolidate our faith and community ties". Fundraisers bring in money for the sick and needy.
Vietnam: In charity work and proclaiming the Good News, lay people get involved in mission this Lent
Parishes in the southeastern diocese of Phan Thi?t promote meetings and seminars on the Word of God and work to help the poor. Guided by Benedict XVI's message, 40 catechumens prepare for baptism this coming Easter. Catholics on wind-spent, typhoon-prone islands celebrate their new church.
Create a space for peace
Vietnam: Against abortion, for life: Vietnamese Catholics mark International Women's Day
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has launched a new family planning campaign that includes US$ 50 and free health care for women who terminate their pregnancy. For the Church, which opposes materialism, human life is non-negotiable. Saigon catechist says sex education is needed to speak to ...
Vietnam: Two Vietnamese Catholics convicted of "anti government" activities: "false accusations"
The two, a woman and a young man, are accused of distributing leaflets compiled by Fr. Van Ly, currently in prison, against the Communist Party. The priest denies knowing the woman. In fact, she was condemned for advocating the rights of the Church in Tam Toa (Vinh diocese).
Vietnam: Out of 782 catechumens, 264 will be baptised on Easter in Ho Chi Minh City
They come from different walks of life and have different levels of education and social standing; they are university scholars and students, workers or ordinary citizens. "God seeds his word, good news and faith in the world and the lands of Vietnam. To develop the seeds, we must pray, make ...
Vietnam: In Hai Phong, Caritas helping AIDS children
Diocesan Caritas last year opened the Thanh Xuan Warm Shelter, now home to 20 children who contracted HIV/AIDS from their parents. The facility also helps people in remote, poor and mostly non-Catholic communities.
Vietnam: From rice to shrimps and ginger - adapting to saltwater intrusion
Vietnam: Boosting education for ethnic minority children
Vietnam: Two Buddhist activists jailed for asking for religious freedom
Nguyen Van Lia, 71, and Tran Hoai An will serve a sentence of five and three years in prison. The two members of the Hoa Hao church charged with "endangering the State" and "abusing" democratic freedoms. Family members unable to attend the trial. Human Rights Watch: an unacceptable judgment.
The Man Nobody Knew: movie review
Carl Colby, son of the spymaster William Colby, unleashes a flood of memories of the costs of the Cold War.