VINH, Vietnam - A new day of protests took place yesterday in Vinh and in other dioceses in Vietnam to demand an end to the persecution of the Catholics of Dong Hoi and the return of the church of Tam Toa to the faithful. At least 500 thousand people in 178 parishes of the diocese gathered at various sites to denounce the violence of the Government against priests, religious and lay faithful. Carrying white-yellow (the Vatican colours) banners and flags they called for justice against the requisition of land and an end to the poisonous campaign against the Catholic Church, that 'defames religion and promotes hatred between Catholics and non Catholics'.

Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City a Mass was held for the faithful of the diocese of Vinh. During the homily, Fr Joseph, a Redemptorist, defended the faithful of Tam Toa: 'After 30 years of war, they want to live in love and forgiveness and build the nation.'