In October 2009, the Assemblies of God of Vietnam received a permit from the Vietnam government to operate, which is the first step in becoming an officially recognized church.

Although the AG was established in Vietnam in 1989, Vietnam’s Religion Law requires an organization to be a stable organization for 20 years before the process of official recognition can begin. Now that this step has been passed, the church has an official operating license.

The operating license will allow the church to carry on religious activities in Vietnam for the next year, during which time a doctrinal statement, a constitution and bylaws and a four-year working plan must be drawn up and submitted for government approval. If approved, the Church can then hold an organized assembly.

According to the official “Vietnam News,” AG Vietnam General Superintendent Duong Thanh Lam said that since its inception, the Fellowship has “followed the guideline of living in line with God’s words, serving God, the Motherland and the nation.”

Jeff Dove, a representative of the AG USA, encouraged Vietnamese believers to continue to grow together, help others in need and work to be an even greater asset to the country.

The recognition of the AG church in Vietnam is significant. In 2006 the United States took Vietnam off its list of “countries of particular concern” over religious freedom issues. Currently, the AG of Vietnam has an estimated 40,000 members across the country. This recognition will now allow them to organize congregations and construct churches. One of the priorities of the Vietnam AG fellowship is to serve the poor and suffering in their communities.

“Vietnam News” reported that Lam thanked the Vietnam government and local authorities for creating favorable conditions and support for the religious society in recent years. Lam stated that the granting of the operating permit reflected the government’s openness and goodwill toward religious activities and Protestant followers.

“This approval opens new doors of opportunity to help our fellow believers in Vietnam now construct their own church buildings,” confirms AG World Missions Communications Director Randy Hurst.