BANGKOK, (UCAN) -- Tens of Catholics from a parish in Ha Noi have marched on the site of a proposed government housing project as they step up their protest against construction work there.
Local Redemptorists say the plot of land belongs to them.
On April 27, the protesters carried a big iron cross and hung images of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the fence of the site, praying for the government to stop its building works. The site is 500 meters away from the parish church.
Protesters also recently petitioned government authorities to scrap the housing project.
In his petition to Dong Da District's Committee of People dated April 18, Redemptorist Father Matthews Vu Khoi Phung suggested the committee "ask the state-run construction company to stop its work and move its machinery out of our plot of land."
The petition was also filed with Ha Noi archdiocese's leaders, the superior of the local Redemptorists and the government authorities of Ha Noi city.
Father Phung, head of Thai Ha parish, says it is "illegal" to carry out the housing project that started in mid-April on the 18,230-square-meter plot near the parish church. "The land is legally owned by the parish," he said.
Father Phung said local Redemptorists bought the plot of land in 1928 and registered it in the government's land records in 1961, 1993 and 1996. The priest also showed the local government's records that recognize Church-ownership.
"We have never given, presented or sold the land to anyone," he said. "Since 1994 we have petitioned the government many times to return the plot of land that will be used for religious and charitable activities. But we have not received any reply."
A lay leader of the parish, who requested anonymity, said he is very sad that the Church property had been confiscated.
"They (government authorities) will try to confiscate Church properties regardless of laws because they have power. It is unfair," he complained.
But he conceded that the government would not easily capitulate because of high land prices in the district.
Local Redemptorists said they will continue to pray for the government to return the plot of land, and will continue to file petitions.
Last month, eight Catholics lost an appeal against convictions for causing social disturbance and damaging public property in protests against another project built on a nearby 14,000 square-meter plot of land also owned by local Redemptorists. Government authorities built a public flower garden on the plot of land last year.
Seven of those charged were given suspended jail sentences ranging from 12 to 17 months, with the eighth let off with a warning.
Despite the convictions, the Redemptorists and other Catholics have refused to give up the fight.
Local Redemptorists say the plot of land belongs to them.
On April 27, the protesters carried a big iron cross and hung images of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the fence of the site, praying for the government to stop its building works. The site is 500 meters away from the parish church.
Protesters also recently petitioned government authorities to scrap the housing project.
In his petition to Dong Da District's Committee of People dated April 18, Redemptorist Father Matthews Vu Khoi Phung suggested the committee "ask the state-run construction company to stop its work and move its machinery out of our plot of land."
The petition was also filed with Ha Noi archdiocese's leaders, the superior of the local Redemptorists and the government authorities of Ha Noi city.
Father Phung, head of Thai Ha parish, says it is "illegal" to carry out the housing project that started in mid-April on the 18,230-square-meter plot near the parish church. "The land is legally owned by the parish," he said.
Father Phung said local Redemptorists bought the plot of land in 1928 and registered it in the government's land records in 1961, 1993 and 1996. The priest also showed the local government's records that recognize Church-ownership.
"We have never given, presented or sold the land to anyone," he said. "Since 1994 we have petitioned the government many times to return the plot of land that will be used for religious and charitable activities. But we have not received any reply."
A lay leader of the parish, who requested anonymity, said he is very sad that the Church property had been confiscated.
"They (government authorities) will try to confiscate Church properties regardless of laws because they have power. It is unfair," he complained.
But he conceded that the government would not easily capitulate because of high land prices in the district.
Local Redemptorists said they will continue to pray for the government to return the plot of land, and will continue to file petitions.
Last month, eight Catholics lost an appeal against convictions for causing social disturbance and damaging public property in protests against another project built on a nearby 14,000 square-meter plot of land also owned by local Redemptorists. Government authorities built a public flower garden on the plot of land last year.
Seven of those charged were given suspended jail sentences ranging from 12 to 17 months, with the eighth let off with a warning.
Despite the convictions, the Redemptorists and other Catholics have refused to give up the fight.