The provincial of the Redemptorist order in Vietnam has defended his religious order against a government propaganda campaign charging that Redemptorist priests are encouraging anti-government activities in Ho Chi Minh City. After a local official complained that Redemptorists weret trying “to distort, falsely accuse, and criticize the government,” Father Vincent Pham Trung Thanh fired back against the “false accusations.” He said that Catholic priests were committed to “a peaceful way of life,” but were also determined to speak the truth about injustice, especially violations of religious freedom. “There are people who fear the truth,” the Redemptorist provincial said.