Refugees Aim to Preserve Unique Vietnamese Faith

December 15, 2010

Author: Staff Writer

Source: The Washington Post

Wire Service: AP

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/15/AR2010121504212.html

As darkness fell on a recent night, Duc Le donned a long white tunic and black cap, slipped off his shoes and joined other aging refugees to honor the new moon with the chanted prayers and offerings that mark the Vietnamese religion of Cao Dai.

 

As Le worshipped, his 25-year-old son stood nearby in sweat pants and chatted with his young bride before slipping away to study for his mid-term exams. The college senior said he visits the temple to teach martial arts more often than to worship and struggles to observe the elaborate rituals of his elders' faith.