Bishop protests religious policy

In an article critical of the recent crackdown on dissent in Vietnam, the Catholic AsiaNews.it reports criticism of the government's religious policy from Msgr. Nguyen Van Hoa, bishop of Nha Trang. While distancing himself from recently imprisoned Fr. Nguyen Van Ly, whom he felt had become too involved in politics, the bishop affirmed the right of Fr. Ly and other Vietnamese to express their opinions regarding justice and truth in society. He also complained of the policy requiring government approval for the Vatican appointment of bishops: "many people know that the Holy See wanted to appoint me bishop of Hanoi but that this nomination was never accepted."

Source: AsiaNews.IT [Nguyen Hung], May 21