UCA News
Contribute

Vietnam bars another priest from leaving country

Father John Luu Ngoc Quynh from Hanoi becomess second Redemptorist priest slapped with travel ban this year
Vietnam bars another priest from leaving country

Redemptorist Father John Luu Ngoc Quynh delivers a homily at Thai Ha church. (photo courtesy of Thai Ha church).

Published: December 07, 2017 05:38 AM GMT
Updated: December 11, 2017 07:20 AM GMT

A Redemptorist priest from Hanoi has been banned from leaving the country for "national security" reasons.

Father John Luu Ngoc Quynh from the Redemptorist Community in Hanoi was stopped by security officials at Noi Bai Airport on Dec. 5 and prevented from traveling to France, the community said in a statement.

He is the second Redemptorist priest to be prevented from leaving the country this year.

Father Quynh was invited to attend the vow-taking ceremony of a Vietnamese Cistercian on Dec. 8 in France, the statement added. The Cistercian is one of the priest’s alumni.

Security officers told Father Quynh that he "was banned from traveling abroad for the protection of national security, social order and safety."

The 53-year-old priest offers pastoral care to migrant workers and students in the Redemptorist-run Thai Ha church.

They also accused the government of violating his right to travel and his religious freedom.

"This is an arbitrary act that is against Vietnam's laws and the International Bill of Human Rights signed by Vietnam," they said.

Last June the government banned Father John Nguyen Ngoc Nam Phong from traveling to Australia on a study trip.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia