At the meeting (Photo: Hoang Anh Tuan/Vietnam+)

(VOVworld) - The General Confederation of the Evangelical Churches of Vietnam (Southern region) or ECVS convened its fourth General Assembly in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday with nearly 2,000 pastors, dignitaries and Protestants from southern provinces in attendance.

In recent years, the organization’s members have joined efforts with other religious followers in drives to reduce poverty by encouraging production and trade, building a cultural life and engaging in charitable activities.

Addressing the event, Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, Bui Thanh Ha, said he believes that with the policy of accompanying the nation, ECVS dignitaries and followers could fulfill their duties to serve the nation, contributing to national construction and defence.

During the four-day meeting, delegates will review the organization’s performance during its third tenure from 2009-2013 and elect an executive board for the fourth tenure.

The organization boasts 700,000 followers in 34 cities and provinces from Quang Tri southward.