Some of the bishop’s activities have also been delayed or cancelled due to security reasons, VNA said, citing several Catholic sources.
The bishop has to limit outside activities while few Christians dare to telephone him amid concerns they conversations are overheard by the country’s feared secret service, Catholics said. Pictures seen by BosNewsLife show camera’s nearby the bishop’s building. The overt deployment of spy equipment is used as "a tactic of intimidation threatening anyone who wants to contact with the archbishop," added VNA. Vietnamese officials had no comment.
SECURITY FORCES
The latest developments come shortly after security forces ended months of prayer vigils and demonstrations against the nationalization of church properties in Hanoi. On Friday, September 19, workers backed by security forces destroyed the one-time residence of the papal nuncio that once served as the Vatican embassy and residence near St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Witnesses said bulldozers drove in to destroy the nunciature while several protestors were arrested and beaten, including an Associated Press (AP) agency reporter.
Other measures to isolate Bishop Joseph Ngo have included a raid on a church last week in the Mac Thuong area of in Ly Nhan District in Vietnam’s northern Ha Nam province, Catholics said. A mob allegedly entered the church shouting obscenities at those who were praying there, threatening that their lives would not be easy until the archbishop is removed.
The church priest, identified only as Father Phuong, reportedly said his parish had no means to defend themselves. Mac Thuong is a small parish with only 300 faithful and most men in the parish have to work far away from home, Catholics said.
SEVERAL THREATS
Despite obscenities and threats shouted at them by pro-government mobs, hundreds of Catholic protestors reportedly continue daily protests in Hanoi, demanding “justice” and a return of land and other church properties.
In addition the archbishop’s office has reportedly protested against a decision by local Communist authorities to confiscate a religious statue and a fine of $105 it received for allegedly placing the monument “illegally.”
The actions have been linked to concerns within the government about Christian activities outside state control. While the government has allowed some reforms, rights groups have suggested that Communists are suspicious towards groups and churches deemed dangerous to their ideology and power base.
