Protestants in Pac Ra hamlet gather at Hoang A Di's house to practice their religion. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Pac Ra hamlet has 18 Mong ethnic families who are Protestants. Because there is no church, they usually gather at the house of Hoang A Di. According to Hau A Lu, deputy head of the Protestant group in Pac Ra, the local authority is guiding them to complete an application to register their religious activities.

A Lu told VOV, “The commune has replied in writing to our application for an operating permit and the group is completing the necessary procedures. The commune administration is making it possible for the villagers to practice their religion while ensuring security and social order. We’d like to thank the State for supporting our aspirations.”

The Protestants meet, not only for religious activities, but also to disseminate the State's policies and guidelines and share legal and business information.

Hoang Thi Hoa, Deputy Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Ly Bon commune, said the local authorities respect the people's freedom of belief and religion and have guided them to practice their religion in accordance with the law.

“The Pac Ra group has applied for a permit to conduct religious activities. The documents are not complete as required, so the communal authorities are helping them to complete all the procedures for the approval,” said Hoa.

Vang A Do, a Mong ethnic in Tong Ac hamlet, said people from other areas come to Pac Ra to participate in religious activities. “The group meets twice a week, on Thursday and Sunday. I’m happy to be part of this religious group. My life has changed a lot – no more drinking alcohol or smoking, for example. I feel free to share the good things I’ve done to encourage others to do the same,” said A Do.

Cao Bang province has three religions: Catholicism, Buddhism, and Protestantism. The Protestants comprise a great majority – 21,000 out of the 23,000 religious followers.

Thanks to the support of the authority at all levels, the freedom of religion of ethnic minorities in Pac Ra hamlet is protected. They are practicing their religious faith, developing their household economy, living a good life, and building a united community together.