Vietnam Police Probe Church Land Dispute

January 29, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Houston Belief

Wire Service: AP

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/5494247.html

Police in Vietnam's capital have launched a criminal investigation into Catholic Church protests over a land dispute, while state-run media accused church leaders Tuesday of abusing their power to incite followers to confront the Communist government.

Catholic parishioners and priests have been holding daily vigils for the past month at the disputed land, a block away from St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown Hanoi. They are praying, singing and holding candles while demanding the handing over of the land, which was taken by the government nearly four decades ago.

Thousands of followers blocked the street Friday in the largest gathering, as many from outside Hanoi came to celebrate the 90th birthday of Cardinal Pham Dinh Tung. It was a rare scene in Vietnam, which typically does not tolerate any form of dissent.