User:Dragfyre/Sandbox/BVN notes

Notes for Baha'i Faith in Vietnam.

Timeline 1950-1959

1951

Aug? 1951

NSA of the Bahá'ís of India, Pakistan and Burma adopted the goal of sending pioneers to Saigon. (refd)

September 1951

Shoghi Effendi reported that there were Bahá’ís in Indochina at that time. (refd)

1952

March 1952

The NSA of the Bahá'ís of India, Pakistan and Burma reports that Indochina remains unopened to the Baha'i Faith. (refd: BNL, March 1952, No.58)

1953

October 7-15

An International teaching conference takes place in New Delhi, India, at which the Fozdar family volunteers to leave for Saigon as pioneers. (not refd: Fozdar notes)

1954

February 18, 1954

Shirin Fozdar, a Bahá'í from India who had been a member of the National Spiritual Assembly there, went to Saigon to establish the religion in Indochina. During her stay she gave a number of public talks. (refd: )

1954

The first Vietnamese Bahá'í was Phạm Hữu Chừ, a professor living in Saigon. (refd, BN)

March 15, 1954

Shirin Fozdar gives lecture introducing the Baha'i Faith at the Norodom Theatre. Several VNese newspapers carry articles on it. (refd: Saigon Moi, 1954-03-18, pp. 1, 3. "Vai tro Phu-nu trong trat-tu moi theo Ton-giao BA-HAI".) Note: the Norodom Theatre was located at 23, Lê Duẩn, P. Bến Nghé, Q1; the building now houses the offices of the local construction lottery company (Công ty Xổ số kiến thiết).

Feb-June 1954

Three people become Baha'is. (not refd: Fozdar notes)

May 1954

Ms. Mildred Mottahedeh visits Saigon. (not refd: Fozdar notes)

June 1954

Parvati Fozdar and her son Vijay arrive in Saigon to help with teaching, and to make the necessary preparations for the family to settle there. (refd: )

June 16, 1954

Ngo Dinh Diem becomes president of the State of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

Summer 1954

Shirin Fozdar leaves Vietnam to return to Singapore after members of her family arrive to take her place as pioneers. (date unclear; her departure is mentioned in ) and , which both imply a date of August 1954, but notes from J. Fozdar claim she departed either in June or on July 5, staying a total of four months. Note "Luoc Su Ton Giao Baha'i" erroneously states she left for New Zealand instead of Singapore.)

July 18, 1954

Jamshed Fozdar arrives in Saigon to join his wife Parvati and son Vijay. They take up residence in a hotel at 88 Bonard St. (now Le Loi St.) (refd: )

July 20, 1954

Geneva Conference ends, and French Indochina is split into the countries of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. Vietnam is split into two "zones", North (Viet Minh-controlled) and South (State of Vietnam).

August 16, 1954

Jamshed Fozdar sends a selection of Baha'i literature (one book and two pamphlets) to President Ngo Dinh Diem, who expresses his appreciation and thanks. (not refd: Fozdar notes)

Oct 20, 1954

A lunch is offered on the occasion of the Birth of the Bab. Mr. J. Fozdar & Pham Huu Chu are present. (refd)

1955

April 21, 1955

The country's first Local Spiritual Assembly is elected in Saigon, headquartered at 88 Bonard St. Members are: Jamshed Fozdar (Chairman), Phạm Trọng Cấp (Vice-chairman), Bùi Văn Triệu (Secretary), Parvati Fozdar (Treasurer), Phạm Hữu Chừ, Đặng Công Thắng, Bùi Văn An, Đào Nhật Linh, and Lê Thị Xáng. (refd: ) The Battle of Saigon (1955) rages on the street outside the Baha'i Centre during the election. (refd: Baha'i News, Fozdar)

September 20, 1955

The Saigon Spiritual Assembly was officially recognized by the government of South Vietnam (refd: )

26 October 1955

Diệm declared himself the president of the newly proclaimed Republic of Vietnam (i.e. South Vietnam).

November 1955

The first piece of Vietnamese Baha'i literature, "Sứ mạng của Đức Baha'u'llah" [The Mission of Baha'u'llah] is published by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Saigon.

1956

Jan. 19, 1956

Baha'i marriage is recognized. (refd: )

Jan 1956

ABM Carl Scherer visits Saigon and meets with all the friends. (not refd)

March 1956

Anita Ioas (daughter of Leroy Ioas) joins the Saigon Community as a pioneer to assist in the development of the Faith, staying for two years. (refd: )

July 1956

Phạm Hữu Chín, the nephew of Phạm Hữu Chừ, becomes the first resident of Central Vietnam to accept the Baha'i religion, while on a visit to Saigon. (refd: )

Aug 15-18, 1956

Baha'is from Vietnam attend the first South East Asia Teaching Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia. (refd: BN Oct 1956, pp.3-4; BNL India & BP July-Oct 1956 (No.83))

Nov.10-12, 1956

Four-country teaching conference is hosted in Saigon. (refd: BN & BNL India.)

1957

Jan 1957

J. Fozdar, Pham Huu Chu, Ng.Van Tinh make a teaching trip to Tourane & Quang Nam. Two groups of a dozen each begin studying the Faith in Tourane (w/ Mr. Tinh's brother) and "Quing Giong in Quang Ngai province" (with Mr. Chu). (not refd)

April 21, 1957

Establishment of Vietnam's second Spiritual Assembly in the village of Trừng Giang, Quảng Nam province, following the recent declaration of 13 individuals. (refd: BN Sep 1957, p.4, )

Apr 30-May 2, 1957

The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Southeast Asia was established at a convention in Jakarta, with Vietnam as part of its jurisdiction. Mr. Jamshed Fozdar, member of the Saigon LSA, was elected to the body. (refd: BNL India, Apr-July 1957, pp. 14-16; BN Sep 1957, pp.4-5) Several Vietnamese delegates are present, including Jamshed and Parvati Fozdar, Ng. Van Tinh, Pham Huu Chu, and Ng. Van Tri. (not refd)

June 1957

Two months after the LSA of Trung Giang is elected, three Baha'is (Phạm Hữu Chín, Phạm Hữu Bổn, Phạm văn Tùng) are arrested by the authorities of Dien Ban district and detained for a time. (refd: )

Oct 1957

In a brief article about the celebration of the Birth of the Bab in SG, Ngon Luan reports that the Faith is present in Saigon, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, and the provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. (refd: Ngon Luan, 1957-10-31)

Nov. 20, 1957

Permission is given by provincial authorities for Baha'is to hold meetings in Quang Ngai Province. (not refd)

Nov. 23, 1957

Permission is given by authorities of Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province, for Baha'is to hold meetings and spread the Baha'i religion in Trung Giang. (not refd)

1958

1958

Several more Spiritual Assemblies are established (BN reports eight assemblies formed, for a total of ten, but reports several more). These include those of:

• Quang Ngai, Quang Ngai province;
• Son An ward, Son Tinh county, Quang Ngai prov.;
• Đông Bàn village, Phú Thọ commune, Điện Bàn district, Quang Nam prov. (now Điện Trung village, Điện Bàn district, QNam—near Trung Giang);
• Kỳ Ngọc, Điện Bàn district, Quang Nam prov.;
• Kỳ Châu, Điện Bàn district, QNam prov.;
• Hoà Thái, Hoà Vang district, Quang Nam province;
• Sơn Thắng, Quế Sơn district, Quang Nam prov.;
• Phuoc Long, Gia Định prov. (now part of HCMC) (refd: BNL, Aug 1958; BN Sep 1958; )
• Da Nang (Tourane) Baha'i Centre established;

Several Baha'i Centres (also used as schools) established, including Phuoc Long and Trung Giang. Total number of Baha'is exceeds 220. (refd: BNL, Aug 1958)

1958

Baha'i and UNESCO representative Albert Rakovsky meets with Ngo Dinh Diem. (refd?)

June 1958

Anita Ioas leaves Vietnam. By this time, four Baha'i centres had been established in Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Phuoc Long and Trung Giang; two Baha'i primary schools (open to all free of charge) had also been established in Trung Giang and Phuoc Long. The book "Đức Baha'u'llah và Kỷ nguyên Mới" [Baha'u'llah and the New Era] was also translated into Vietnamese, and 3,000 copies of the book were printed. (refd: )

July 1958

Dempsey and Adrienne Morgan arrive in Saigon for the first time. (refd)

August 1, 1958

Shirin Fozdar visits Saigon for the second time. (refd: Saigon Moi, 1958-8-4. "Ba Shirin Fozdar uy vien uy ban chap hanh hoi phu nu A chau toi Saigon".)

August 2, 1958

Shirin Fozdar offers a talk on the Baha'i Faith at 14, Le van Duyet. (refd: Cach Mang Quoc Gia, 1958-7-31; Tu Do, 1958-7-31; Ngon-Luan, 1958-7-31)

1959

1959?

Entire LSA of Saigon is arrested. (refd)

March 3, 1959

Dempsey and Adrienne Morgan leave Saigon for Bangkok. (refd)

April 21, 1959

LSA of Phu Xuan, Nha Be District is established. (refd)

May 23, 1959

Baha'is of Saigon, Nha Be and Phuoc Long celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab together in Saigon. (refd: BN Aug 1959)

Timeline 1960-1969

1960

January 1960

Hand of the Cause Mr. S. Ala'i visits the Phu Tho Baha'i School. (not refd?)

April 21, 1960

The following Spiritual Assemblies are elected: (refd: BN Apr 1961)

• Binh Son District, Quang Ngai prov.
• Hiep Phuoc village, Can Giuoc dist., Long An prov.
• Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa prov.

1961

March 18, 1961

Vietnam Press reports that the Baha'is of Vietnam claim "hundreds of followers in 21 localities." (refd: Vietnam Press, 1961-03-18)

April 1961

Members of the National Teaching committee of Vietnam and Baha'i pioneers gathered at the Saigon Baha'i Centre for a teaching conference. In total, 110 believers were present, with 13 Spiritual Assemblies represented. The number of Baha'is reached 1,000.(refd: BN jul 1961, p.12,15)

April 21, 1961

Fifteen new Spiritual Assemblies are formed in Vietnam, bringing the total to twenty-eight.(refd: BN jul 1961, p.12)

May 20, 1961

Vietnam Press reports that "In Viet Nam, the Baha'is assist in providing free elementary education in certain villages as well as aid in the effort to increase adult literacy." (refd: Vietnam Press, 1961-05-20) The Times of Vietnam runs a prominent article about upcoming observances of the Declaration of the Bab in "over 50 different centers in Viet Nam," also covering other pertinent facts about the Baha'i Faith. (refd: BN jul 1961, p.13)

October 2, 1961

Rúhíyyih Khanum arrives in Saigon accompanied by Mrs. Revell. During her visit, she attends a number of gatherings, including a two-day teaching conference conducted at the Baha'i Centre in Saigon, visits to two Baha'i schools, including the one in Nha Be. Both women speak during the gatherings, encouraging the Baha'is in their labours, and receiving reports and news of their recent activities and plans, including a plan to increase the number of Baha'is in Vietnam to 10,000 by the end of the Ten Year Crusade. The wide range of ages in the community is noted, embracing both "old men and women attending the meetings and listening carefully, as well as a large number of enthusiastic young people." (refd: BN Jan 1962; BN Feb 1962)

October 20, 1961

Over 100 Baha'is attend a celebration of the Birthday of the Bab in Da Nang (Tourane). (refd: BN Jan 1962)

November 1961

An audience of 1500 people, of whom 100 are Baha'is, attend an outdoor variety performance during a celebration of the Birthday of Baha'u'llah in Trung Giang, the largest gathering to date of any public Baha'i event in Vietnam. American pioneer Rodney Edwards is in attendance, and speaks to the crowd assembled at the formal celebration prior to the public event.(refd: BN Feb 1962)

November 10, 1961

In a report on a celebration of the Birthday of Baha'u'llah in Saigon, Vietnam Press states that "Special prayers will be offered for the sufferings of fellow Vietnamese in the flood-ravaged Western provinces. The Baha'is already have contributed substantial funds to aid the flood victims." (ref: Vietnam Press, 1961-11-10)

November 15, 1961

Dempsey and Adrienne Morgan return to Saigon. (refd)

1962

1962

16 Bahá'í Local Spiritual Assemblies formed. (refd)

January 21, 1962

World Religion Day is celebrated for the first time in Vietnam, organized by the Vietnamese Baha'i community and gathering together representatives of Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity (Baptist), Islam, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and the Baha'i Faith, to discuss "the fundamental oneness of religion". The event takes place at the Saigon Baha'i Centre, at 193/1C Cong Ly. (refd: The Times of Vietnam, January 18, 1962, p.2) Reports are carried in a number of Vietnamese, English and French newspapers. (refd)

April 28-May 2, 1962

The sixth annual Regional convention of the Baha'is of Southeast Asia is held in Saigon, the first time the event is held in Vietnam. Twenty-three Vietnamese delegates are present with many others from Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaya, Indonesia, Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei and Laos. A public reception is also held on April 29 to inaugurate a recently completed new floor of the Baha'i Centre at 193/1C Cong-Ly St. (refd:Vietnam Press, 1962-04-26)

1963

1963

more than 40 (and perhaps over 100) Spiritual Assemblies in South Vietnam; 6 local Bahá'í Centers or Haziratu'l-Quds, including in Saigon and Da Nang, and more lands had been bought for future centers. (refd)

April 21, 1963

Bui Van Luong, then Interior Minister to Ngô Đình Diệm, formally prohibited Bahá'ís from pursuing "any religious activities in Cental Vietnam and the mountainous provinces." (refd: BN?) "The Interior Secretary of the [Diem] regime, after pretending for six years to study the Bahai request for freedom to practice their Faith in Central Vietnam, finally felt himself strong enough to inform the Baha'is by official letter categorically banning the Faith in that region where for six years the Baha'is had patiently suffered harrassment and repressions and consequently leaving them no choice but to appeal to the international press and the United Nations 19 days after the date of the Interior Minister's letter." (refd: The Saigon Post, May 22, 1964, p.2)

May 8, 1963

Hue Phat Dan shootings, sparking the Buddhist Crisis. (refd)

July 15, 1963

Dempsey and Adrienne Morgan leave Saigon for Phnom Penh. (refd)

October 1963

The Baha'i community of Vietnam puts the Ngo regime's case of "blatant persecution" before the United Nations. (refd: Saigon Daily News, June 26, 1964)

1-2 November, 1963

Diem gov't is overthrown. (refd)

December 10, 1963

An official ceremony observing the 15th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights is conducted in the town hall of Saigon by the Government of Vietnam. Dr. Tran Van Liem, a Baha'i, addresses the meeting on the need for religious freedom and inter-religious cooperation, the first time a Baha'i has been asked to speak at a major government function. (refd: BN Feb 1964)

December 16, 1963

The Prime Minister of South Vietnam, Nguyen Ngoc Tho, gives authorization to the LSA of Saigon to teach the Faith in Central Vietnam. (refd: BN Feb 1964)

1964

January 20, 1964

World Religion Day is celebrated for the third time in Saigon. Mr. Jamshed Fozdar, Chairman of the Regional Assembly of the Baha'is of SE Asia, calls for the creation of a "Permanent Council of Inter-Religious Harmony" to be comprised of two representatives from each religion, "to signify a sincere and genuine effort on the part of the two major Religions of their often proclaimed belief that they desire only equality and harmony among the faiths." (refd: VP Jan 20 1964)

April 28-May 1, 1964

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Vietnam established at the First National Convention. 171 delegates attend, representing over 20,000 Baha'is residing in over 195 centres throughout Vietnam (corresponding to 195 LSAs existing in Vietnam at this time). Elected are Pham Huu Chin, Jamshed Fozdar (chairman), Le Loc, Dang Binh (vice-chairman), Do Nguyen Hanh, Le Can, Trinh Dinh Khoi (Secretary), Nguyen Van Nhuong, and Gary Morrison (treasurer). Some of the goals assigned to the new Assembly as part of the Nine Year Plan are:

• To establish the NSA of the Baha'is of Cambodia with its seat in Phnom Penh.
• To acquire a site for a National Baha'i Centre (Haziratu'l-Quds) in Phnom Penh.
• To acquire a site for the future Baha'i House of Worship in Phnom Penh.
• To incorporate 60 LSAs.
• To acquire a site for the future Baha'i House of Worship in or near Saigon.
• Assist the NSA of Thailand in establishing the NSA of Laos. (refd: BN Aug 1964, p.4-5; The Saigon Post, April 24, 1964, p.2) Election took place on April 29, 1964. (refd: Vietnam Press Oct 11, 1964)

April 30, 1964

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Vietnam is officially and publically received on behalf of the Government by the Head of State, Gen. Duong Van Minh, and the Deputy Prime Minister for Social and Cultural Affairs, Brig. Gen. Do Mau, at Gia Long Palace. The NSA briefly explained the basic principles and aims of the Baha'i Faith, discussed present problems involved in uniting the people of Vietnam, and praised the climate of religious freedom existing after the ouster of Ngo Dinh Diem's government. Gen. Minh in turn praised the aims of the Baha'i Faith and emphasized the importance of religious freedom in Vietnam. He greeted the newly-elected NSA, accepted their gifts (books) and wished the community "every success in its noble aims for the unification of the peoples." Similar exchanges were had with the Deputy Prime Minister, and the NSA deposited with him a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, affirming their allegiance to himself and his government. (refd: BN Aug 1964, p.4; The Saigon Post, May 1, 1964)

July 6-8, 1964

French daily newspaper "Le Vietnam Nouveau" publishes a three-part interview with Mr. J. Fozdar, in his capacity as the Chairman of the NSA of the Baha'is of Vietnam, a faith "which has now the third largest membership among the major religions in our country", on the issue of religious antagonism between Catholics and Buddhists in Vietnam. (refd: Le Vietnam Nouveau, 6, 7, 8 July 1964)

August 31, 1964

An appeal by the Inter Faith Youth Group (Students Committee for the establishment of Religious Harmony and Justice) in Saigon urges the formation of an Inter-Faith Council, to bring together Buddhists and Roman Catholics, and asks that "a leader of the Bahai World Faith be invited" as well, "since even in the past the Baha'is have been urging the establishment of such a Council for Inter-Religious harmony and have also by their efforts demonstrated their belief in both the Buddha and Christ and shown their essential Divine Unity." (refd: The Saigon Post, Aug 31, 1964)

September 8, 1964

The NSA of the Baha'is of Vietnam makes a four-point appeal for national religious unity, in a release described as an open letter "to all people of good-will".

"First, we appealed to the peoples to open their own eyes and urge their religious leaders to establish a Permanent Council of Inter-Religious Harmony consisting of two representatives from each Faith dedicated towards establishing complete unification between the religions and which should be delegated with the power to be the final arbitrator of any misunderstanding or strife that may arise between the various religions."

"Secondly, we asked the government to recognize this Permanent Council as the supreme body for arbitrating on problems concerning religious persecution and religious strifes and to carry out this Council's decision."

"Thirdly, we asked that leaders and followers of every religion without the slightest discrimination and with complete respect and love visit the holy places of worship of every religion and publicly proclaim their acceptance of the various Divine Teachers as absolutely equal in every way. In other words, we said let the Venerable leaders of Buddhism in Viet Nam publicly proclaim that they Believe that Lord Christ is endowed with the same Divinity and Spirituality as Lord Buddha and identical with Him. Let the Archbishops and priests of the Roman Catholic and the leaders of the Protestant sects proclaim likewise that the Lord Buddha is in every way equal and identical to the Lord Christ in His Spiritual and Divine Glory. Only then can we make the Buddhists and Christians of our sad nation rush into each others arms and eliminate any maneuvers to direct them instead at each others' throats."

"Fourthly, we appealed to the Government to foster Religious Harmony by encouraging the peoples and religious leaders and proclaim one day of the year World Religion Day and declare it a public holiday dedicated to the goal of Religious Unity on which day the followers of every faith may visit each others pagodas, churches, temples to pray to the Divinity of all the Prophets because God is worshipped in all these places and without fear of contaminating their souls or suffering ex-communication to hear the leaders of various religions on common platforms emphasizing the common denominator of every religion with its essential message of Love, understanding and Justice." (refd: The Saigon Post, Sep 10, 1964, p.3)

October 8, 1964

Decree no. 1950-NV is signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Khanh, officially recognizing the Baha'i Faith and authorizing it to operate throughout the country. (refd: Cong Bao Viet-Nam Cong Hoa, 24 October 1964; Vietnam Press Oct 10, 1964; Vietnam Press Oct 11, 1964)

October 19, 1964

Representatives of the Buddhist, Catholic, Cao Dai, and Hoa Hao faiths, as well as government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps and others attend a celebration of the Birthday of the Bab at the Baha'i Centre on 193/1C Cong Ly. (refd: The Saigon Post, Oct 20 1964, p.2)

December 12, 1964

A delegation of the Baha'i Faith, carrying an invitation to participate in the upcoming celebration of World Religion Day, is received by Phan Khac Suu, Head of State. (refd: VP)

1965

January 19, 1965

World Religion Day is observed for the 4th time in Saigon.

February 23, 1965

A Baha'i delegation meets with the chairman and secretary general of the National Legislative Council of the Government of South Vietnam regarding the promulgation of a law "similar to those already issued for other denominations" to eliminate "difficulties that might hamper the development" of the Baha'i Faith in the country. (VP April 6, 1965)

April 10, 1965

The National Legislative Council of the government of South Vietnam issues a communique denying religious discrimination towards the Baha'i community of Vietnam, in response to inquiries from the Baha'is as to why a law for the Baha'i Faith was not yet voted on. The communique stated that "the incumbent government has not yet given an opinion on the problem." It also "affirmed that the Baha'i religion so far has been allowed to carry on its propagation work and like any other faith it already has 'limited legal status.'"(VP April 6, 1965)

April 25, 1965

An article in Binh Minh weekly magazine: "...in the principle of the law, the Decree No.10, which is left behind by the colonists and feudal regimes, is still applied for religions they certainly feel suppressed because this Decree relegates Religions to the category of Associations.

"Because of the refusal to accept the legal or practical value of... Decree No.10, the Unified Buddhist Church fought and obtained a special statue by a decree law. And the Unified Buddhist Church is now satisfied. Until now, it seems that only the Buddhists (The Unified Association and the General Association) have their Charters accepted by the Government.

"Meanwhile, the Cao-Dai, the Hoa-Hao and the Baha'i World Faith have requested the Government to accept their Charters in order that they can have legal activities and can remove the local obstacles, but until now the Government has not satisfied them.

"The Baha'i World Faith itself has written letters of protest and of explanation between its National Spiritual Assembly and the National Legislative Council. However the matter is still delayed and no one knows what will be the result. According to those letters, the Charter of the Baha'i Religion was not accepted because of some triviality." (refd: Binh Minh, April 25, 1965)

1965

Wedding of Mrs. Giang Chau and Mr. Le Loc, at the Baha'i Centre in Saigon.(not refd)

1966

April 1966

Third National Convention takes place in Saigon, and the third National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Vietnam is elected. Elected to the NSA are: Ngo Huu Kinh, Quang Dinh Minh, Jamshed Fozdar (chairman), Truong Liem Dong, Nguyen Van Loi (vice-chairman), Le Loc (secretary), Dang Binh, Nguyen Van Nhuong, Do Nguyen Hanh (treasurer). (refd: BN July 1966)

July-September 1966

Over 1,500 new believers accepted the Faith from many provinces. (BN January 1967)

November 12, 1966

Seventy-three assemblies are incorporated; As well, 580 Baha'is have been enrolled since October 1. (BN January 1967)

1967

January 1967

World Religion Day is observed. In Saigon, "an audience of 1,000 packed Thong-Nhut hall to hear a discourse on 'Religion is the Salvation for Vietnam and the World.' Presiding was Ho-Huu-Tuong, eminent scholar and philosopher of Vietnam." (refd: BN April 1967)

April 1967

Fourth National Convention takes place in Saigon, and the fourth National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Vietnam is elected. Elected to the NSA are: Nguyen Van Loi, Ngo Huu Kinh (vice-chairman), Jamshed Fozdar (chairman), Truong Liem Dong, Dang Binh, Nguyen Van Nhuong (treasurer), Quang Dinh Minh, Le Duy Thinh, Le Loc (secretary). (refd: The Saigon Post, May 2, 1967, p.2)

1968

Ridvan 1968

There are 36,000 Baha'is in Vietnam. (refd: )

1969

1968-69

At the midway point in the [Nine Year] Plan there were 176 Local Spiritual Assemblies and the Faith had been established in 720 localities in Vietnam; the National Spiritual Assembly had achieved incorporation as had sixty Local Assemblies; a National Haziratu'l-Quds and endowment had been acquired; Baha'i literature had been enriched through the translation and/or publication of material in a number of indigenous languages including Nhung, Rhade, Meo and Thaidam; recognition of Baha'i Holy Days and Baha'i marriage had been obtained from the civil authorities; and there had been vigorously pursued a programme for the extension of Baha'i education to youth and children through the establishment of village schools and the translation and publication of special materials for children. (BW vol 15, p.258)

Ridvan 1969

There are 52,000 Baha'is in Vietnam. (refd: )

August 1-3

Summer school in Long Thanh, organized by the Baha'i youth of Saigon-Gia Dinh. During the year, the youth had assisted in building houses for the local orphan village in Long Thanh, also contributing books and medicine for the children who had lost their parents in the war. (refd: BN Nov 1969, p.18)

Timeline 1970-1979

1970

Ridvan 1970

There are 95,000 Baha'is in Vietnam. (refd: )

1971

Ridvan 1971

There are 116,080 Baha'is in Vietnam, 601 LSAs and 1530 groups.

c.1971

"There I was—straddling the back of a motorbike-bumping along the ribbon of a road that cut through the rice paddies outside of Bien Thuy, South Vietnam. ... we stopped before a house with a sign that indicated it was the Baha'i Center for this Cham village. The Chams, an 'ancient and noble people with a proud heritage, had accepted Baha'u'llah and were now constructing their world in His pattern. How wonderful it was to stroll through that spot chatting with Auxiliary Board member Van Loi enjoying the peace of the place and the sweetness of the Baha'is there." "The esteem with which the Faith is held by other religions and officials is high. On a previous trip to the Mekong Delta Mr. Le Loc of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Quan of the National Teaching Committee and I had been received at many pagodas and talked. at length with the monks. We visited the province chief, mayor, police chief-all spoke knowingly of the Baha'is and of their activities toward peace and unity." (refd: BN March 1972, Peace In the Midst of War—A visit to Vietnam, Elizabeth Gibson)

January 1971

"A number of the Vietnamese Baha'is attended, at their own expense, the Singapore Conference in January, 1971, and the Assembly noted this as an indication of a maturing community." (BW vol 15, p.258)

August 9-10, 1971

"A most successful Youth Conference was held in Da-Nang on August 9-10, 1971, attended by more than one hundred youth of that province. Their programme attracted five hundred people, spread great enthusiasm and brought more people into the Faith." (BW vol 15, p.334)

1972

c.1972

Reuben E. Busby, U.S. civilian employee, is stationed in Vietnam, and acts as Reporter for the English Language Committee of the National Teaching Committee for Vietnam. (refd: BN March 1972)

c.1972

The Baha'i French-language Publishing Trust has been shipping literature into Vietnam. (refd: BN March 1972)

January 1972

"In Saigon, Vietnam the eleventh annual observance of World Religion Day was held. Other big cities of Vietnam which held celebrations this year are Can-Tho, Da-Nang, Pleiku, Phan-Thiet, Bihn-Tuy, and other district towns. The event was prominently reported in over twenty Vietnamese daily newspapers, the radio, television and in movies throughout the country. This annual occasion has 'become a means of demonstrating religious fellowship." Photo: "At the speakers' table on World Religion Day in Saigon, Vietnam. Mr. Tran Thang, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, is on the extreme right." (refd: BN April 1972)

Ridvan 1972

Election of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Vietnam. Elected were: Mr. Le Loc, Chairman; Mr. Le Can, Vice·Chairman; Mr. Le Cho, Secretary; Mr. Tran Thang, Treasurer; Mr. Nguyen Hoang Loc, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Le Duc Huan, Assistant Treasurer; Mrs. Tranthi Giang Chau; Mr. Le Duy Thinh; Mr. Truong Lien Dong. (refd: BN August 1972, A Condensation of the Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly of Vietnam)

Ridvan 1972

"At Ridvan, 1972, the National Spiritual Assembly cabled : DUE BAD COMMUNICATION UNDER SERIOUS WAR REQUEST CONSIDER ALL LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES LOCALITIES REMAIN SAME TOTAL SIX HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AND NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO LOCALITIES STOP . . . SUPPLICATE PRAYERS . . ." (BW vol 15, p.258)

Ridvan 1972

"Assisted by the guidance of The Universal House of Justice, the National Baha'i community of Vietnam has completed a year of trials and victories.

"The two largest difficulties of the Baha'i community are the war situation and the economic collapse of the country. Because of serious fighting, the National Spiritual Assembly has lost contact with a number of localities. The contributions of the Baha'is were too small to meet the needs of the Faith, which prevented training sufficient teachers to consolidate hundreds of Baha'i villages in the Highlands.

"In the country there are 659 Local Spiritual Assemblies, 136 of them incorporated, and 1631 localities with a total of 121,839 believers. Because of inability to get in touch with many localities, the National Spiritual Assembly asked The Universal House of Justice to allow the acceptance of all the old localities until a detailed report can be made.

"A goal of the Nine Year Plan not yet completed is securing a Temple site. One has been selected on the highway opposite the National Military Graveyard, and it is in the process of being acquired. Supplementary goals were to send a pioneer each to New Caledonia, where Mr. Nguyen Huu has volunteered to go in June, and also a pioneer is needed for Madagascar. The Proclamation Committee and the Committee for Observance of Holy Days have made progress. More people are getting to know and to respect the Faith. The Proclamation Committee sent out a questionnaire which received a good response. Recently a group of over fifty University students have voluntarily written the National Spiritual Assembly asking for Baha'i literature for their study.

"Teaching and consolidation activities have been carried out by National, Zone and Provincial Teaching Committees and Local Assemblies, though hindered by lack of funds. Deepening classes are organized every month for each Zone and every week at some localities. The Baha'i Bulletin contains all the important instructions from The Universal Souse of Justice, as well as instructions from the Vietnam National Assembly, and news inside and outside the country.

"Individually, many women have actively taught the Faith in various Zones and gained significant results youth activities were fruitful because of a correspondence course entitled 'Towards Baha'u'llah and the New World Order', the establishment of a Youth Library, the formation of a Student Club in Van Hahn University. the organization of teaching classes for youth and of a National youth Conference. The youth have proved their trustworthiness in the midst of a world of confusion and decay. Their enthusiasm, steadfastness and sacrifices are a source of comfort upholding the Faith in time of trial.

"The Language Committee has translated teaching material from English. The Chinese Language Committee has started a Teaching and Proclamation Plan by distributing literature in Chinese and publishing Baha'i articles in Chinese newspapers.

"Baha'i properties increased during the year with the purchase and building of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Ta Duong. Others are in the process of being acquired in QueSon, Dientruong, and Phutho while land has been donated by believers in Phong-Phu (Phong Dinh Province), and in Dien truong (An-Zuyen Province).

"Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone made a welcome visit which inspired the Baha'is, especially the youth. A few days before Convention, Counsellors Mr. Payman and Mr. Yan Kee Leong met with the National Spiritual Assembly.

"A weakness this past year is that many localities lost contact with the National Spiritual Assembly and did not send in reports while the National Spiritual Assembly did not have the means to send out enough people to these localities. and loss of contact means weakening. Therefore to maintain all cherished goals and to continue consolidation, liaison must be improved.

"The Universal House of Justice in its Ridvan 1972 Message called on us to 'consider the world picture' and 'upon all believers everywhere to prayerfully consider their personal circumstances, and to arise while there is yet time, to fill the international pioneer goals'. Those who have means without having capacity should contribute the means; those who have capacity without having means should contribute their capacity.

"Let all of us pray together to show our gratitude to Baha'u'llah for all His bestowals during the year and also to supplicate Him to continue to protect our Baha'i brothers and sisters in the areas of serious fighting such as Binh-Long, Binh-Dinh, Kontum, Pleiku, Quang-Tri, Thua Thien and Chuong-Thien." (refd: BN August 1972, A Condensation of the Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly of Vietnam)

April 29, 1972

The Panama House of Worship, to whose construction Vietnamese Baha'is have contributed monetarily, is dedicated. (refd: BN June 1972)

July 8-9, 1972

A Baha'i Youth Conference was held in Can-Tho, Vietnam, the Capital of the Western Provinces, on July 8 and 9, 1972. Present at this Conference were Auxiliary Board member Nguyen Van Loi and seventy Baha'i youth from the West. "The Role of Youth in the Faith" was the topic discussed. The banners in the photos read: "Welcome to the Auxiliary Board member, Representative of the National Assembly and Youth Delegates." The Baha'i Youth follow the example of sacrifice of His Holiness the Bab. (refd: BN October 1972)

1973

April 16, 1973

The purchase of land for the construction of a Continental Baha'i House of Worship is completed, only days before the end of the Nine Year Plan. The land is located in Thuận Giáo village, Lái Thiêu District, Bình Dương province, about 23km outside Saigon. Due to worsening conditions brought on by the ongoing war, the House of Worship could not be built; a Continental Baha'i House of Worship was instead built in India, opening in 1986.

April 21, 1973

"At the subsequent Ridvan the National Spiritual Assembly reported that all goals had been achieved except, due to circumstances beyond their control, the acquisition of a Temple site, and that 687 Local Spiritual Assemblies had been formed and the Faith was established in 1,685 localities." (refd: BW vol 15, p.258, BW vol 16, p.262)

1974

1974

Trung Giang Baha'i school is destroyed by American bombing. (not refd)

1974-1975

"During the first year of the Five Year Plan, significant accomplishments had been achieved. The National Teaching Committee was strengthened, participation in activities by youth and women had increased and teaching had been initiated among minorities with some success. A Synopsis and Codification of the Laws and Ordinances of the Kitab-i-Aqdas and The New Garden were translated into Vietnamese and an introductory leaflet has been translated into a local dialect; all were available to the friends in mimeographed form." (refd: BW vol 16, p.262)

Dec. 10, 1974

"A Human Rights Day observance in Saigon sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly was held on December 10. Approximately 200 people attended, among them Buddhist monks, Christian ministers and priests, members of the diplomatic corps, and government representatives. The speaker was Pierre Lucien Sales, resident representative of the United Nations Development Program. The National Assembly's Vice-Chairman, Pham Van Lien also made a brief address. He attempted a definition of justice from a Baha'i perspective.

"That evening the Vietnamese National Youth Committee joined the student body of Van Hanh University in sponsoring a Human Rights Day observance. More than 2,000 students participated in the eve, which was reported extensively in the local press." (refd: BN March 1975)

1975

1975

There were 205,000 Bahá'ís in South Vietnam, 687 Local Spiritual Assemblies and 1685 communities (groups). Of the 205k Baha'is, some 30k are said to have belonged to minority ethnic groups such as Chăm, Thượng, Nùng. (refd: ))

April 30, 1975

The Fall of Saigon. North Vietnamese forces invade Saigon, and the South Vietnamese regime collapses. In the ensuing chaos, many Bahá'ís in outlying regions are cut off and unable to communicate. The scheduled National Convention is also cancelled. With the approval of the Univeral House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly is instead elected via mailed-in ballots. (refd: )

1976

1976

The Universal House of Justice noted that "circumstances beyond the control of the Bahá'ís" had hindered progress in recent years, and that "an administrative committee [had] been appointed to function on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly". Quote: "In the latter part of the period under review (1975-1976?) circumstances beyond the control of the Baha'is have hindered the completion of the goals. An administrative committee has been appointed to function on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly." (refd: BW vol 16, p.262) (date not refd)

July 9, 1976

Bahá'ís in Ho Chi Minh City (previously Saigon) are allowed by the local government to hold a commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb. (refd: )

1977

1977

The first election of the National Spiritual Assembly of a reunified Vietnam is held, and the result accepted by the Universal House of Justice. Elected are: Tran Ngoc Sang, Le Loc, Phan Tan Han, Huynh An Ninh, Nguyen Thuc, Tran Thi Giang Chau, Pham Xuan Vinh, Le Can, Tran Ba Mai. (refd: )

1978

1978

"The Baha'is in Vietnam have been forbidden to meet and to practise their religion since 1978. All Baha'i Centres throughout the country have been either closed or confiscated by the authorities. When the National Haziratu'l-Quds in Ho Chi Minh City was seized, two members of the National Assembly who were there at the time were summarily arrested and sent to 're-education' camps." (refd: BW vol 18, p.96) The two arrested Assembly members were Phan Tan Han and Le Loc. (refd: )

1979

1979

The Universal House of Justice reported that Vietnam was among "those countries where the Bahá'í Administration cannot operate or has had to be disbanded". (refd: Naw-ruz letter, 1979)

Timeline 1980-1989

1980

1980

"A Baha'i from Switzerland visited the friends in Vietnam in 1980 and found them to be steadfast and strong in the Faith." (refd: BW vol 18, p.96) (refd: -- gives date as 1981)

1982

1982

"One of [the two arrested members of the National Spiritual Assembly] was released early in 1982 because of

ill health, but the other is still in detention and all efforts to secure his release have so far been unsuccessful." (refd: BW vol 18, p.96)

1986

March 28, 1986

A copy of the Universal House of Justice's statement, "The Promise of World Peace", is delivered by a messenger to the Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, Mr. Bui Xuan Nhat. (refd: BN Feb 1988)

1989

c.1989

Dr. Jim Turpin, a Baha'i from Asheville, North Carolina, who spent seven years as a physician in Vietnam, was recently invited back by the present Communist government to train local health workers in the techniques of child survival.

Dr. Turpin, who founded the nonprofit medical organization Project Concern after working with the poor in Mexico in 1959, gave up a family practice in San Diego in 1960 and went to Hong Kong to practice medicine. While there he met a young doctor from New Zealand who told him about large numbers of starving children in Vietnam. Within weeks, Dr. Turpin was on a plane to Saigon.

He and other American doctors and nurses stayed until 1972, when conditions became too dangerous and they were forced to leave. "We left reluctantly," Dr. Turpin said in a front-page article last November 28 in The Asheville Citizen. "We had been secure because everyone knew we were non-political. We treated anyone who came in, no questions asked."

Dr. Turpin, who is an occupational medicine consultant for several hospitals, learned last year that one of two hospitals established in Vietnam by Project Concern was still operating. He also learned that the hospital was run by a villager who had trained under him in his Village Medical Assistance program in the '60s.

"It was time to go back to Vietnam," said Dr. Turpin, who became a Baha'i in 1974 and has written two books about his experiences overseas, Vietnam Doctor and A Faraway Country. "As bad as the situation was during the war, the-Vietnamese government is willing to admit now that it's worse. They're willing to say they need our help. "

Dr. Turpin's goal is to train local workers in the latest techniques in child survival including ORT -oral rehydration therapy- which is used to treat children who are badly dehydrated.

"We built up a lot of trust during seven years (in Vietnam)," he said. "They (the government) know we don't spend government money and that we're a non-political organization with a multi-racial and international staff. " (refd: BN April 1989)

July 1989

John and Zabine Linkins visit Vietnam, meeting the Bahá'ís of Ho Chi Minh City (including Le Loc, released by that time, and his family) and attending a local commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb. (not refd)

Timeline 1990-1999

1990

c.1990

"Mr. Collis Featherstone focused much energy on reinvigorating the long-suffering friends in war-ravaged Vietnam." (refd: Ridvan Message 1990)

1991

July 1991

John and Zabine Linkins return to Vietnam for a second visit, meeting with Bahá'ís in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. (not refd)

July 27, 1991

Dr. Dao Anh Son becomes the first Bahá'í in Hanoi after treating John Linkins, who had fallen ill during a visit to the city. (not refd)

1992

1992: Beginning in 1992, Bahá'ís were allowed to meet in unofficial meeting halls to practice their religion quietly. (refd) 1992: Faith is first established in Hanoi. (not refd)

1996

1996

The Universal House of Justice sent a message to Bahá'ís in a number of Southeast Asian countries, particularly calling "the sorely tried, steadfast and devoted friends" in Vietnam to demonstrate to the authorities and to their leaders that "Bahá'ís, obedient and loyal to their governments, desire but the prosperity of their nations and the upliftment of their peoples." (refd)

Timeline 2000-2009

2000

2000

Bahá'ís in Da Nang were reportedly unable to obtain approval of an application for registration of official religious activities. (refd)

2001

2001

The Vietnamese government reportedly turned down an attempt by the national Bahá'í community to register its activities because they "had not yet met the administrative criteria for registration." (refd)

2001

Dr. Farzam Arbab visits Vietnam and addresses the Baha'is in several cities. (not refd)

2004

May 2004

Bahá'ís in Ho Chi Minh City were allowed to hold a quiet ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Baha'i Faith in the country. (refd)

2006

2006

Bahá'í community leaders reported having "good relations with authorities", and that the Bahá'ís "appeared to be able to practice their faith without significant harassment." (refd)

November 2006

US State Department reported that restrictions were being eased. (refd)

2007

2007

The Vietnamese Bahá'í community was registered nationally in early 2007 after receiving a certificate of operation from the government’s Committee for Religious Affairs. (refd)

2008

February 2008

Vietnamese believers attend a regional conference in Battambang. (refd: http://news.bahai.org/community-news/regional-conferences/battambang.html)

March 20-21, 2008

Following a year-long probationary period, the National Spiritual Assembly was elected and its charter adopted on March 21, 2008, at a national congress in Ho Chi Minh City coinciding with the Bahá'í holy day of Naw-Rúz. The event was attended by over 250 delegates and visitors. The first election since the unification of North and South Vietnam in 1975. (refd)

In Vietnam, the Baha'i national convention and election held 20-21 March were the first since the unification of North and South Vietnam in 1975.

"This is important because it was the first time in 33 years that the government had approved that such a gathering could take place," said Joan Lincoln, a special emissary of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha'i Faith. Mrs. Lincoln traveled from the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel, to Ho Chi Minh City for the occasion.

Preparations for the convention, including drafting the charter for the Baha'i governing body in Vietnam, were undertaken in consultation with the government, which sent three representatives to observe the election.

The voting took place at the small Baha'i Center in Ho Chi Minh City on the first day of the convention, followed the next day by a consultative session in a much larger hall that had been decorated with flowers of congratulation sent by various government and police agencies. More than 20 officials from the central, provincial and district governments attended the session, which was highlighted by the adoption by the Baha'is of the new charter.

[...] During the convention, a special message from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of Vietnam was read.

"The Baha'i Community of Vietnam is regaining ground on a trail that leads to a constructive future," the message said, in part. "In restoring your National Spiritual Assembly, with the gratefully acknowledged support of your national government, you now enter upon a period of dynamic development of far-reaching virtue and influence."

On the night of 20 March, more than 200 Baha'is and friends from around the country joined in a new year's celebration, followed the next morning by the convention session with some 300 people in attendance. They were the largest gatherings of Vietnamese Baha'is in three decades.

Special guests for the historic convention and the new year's celebration, included, in addition to Mrs. Lincoln, representatives of the Baha'i communities of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, and Thailand, and Mr. Jaya Gopan Ramasamy of Malaysia, representing the Baha'i Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia.

For the Baha'is of Vietnam, restoration of their National Spiritual Assembly represents a key achievement in the process to gain official recognition from the government. A major step was taken a year ago when authorities issued a certificate recognizing Baha'i activities.

July 25, 2008

The National Spiritual Assembly receives its certificate of national recognition.

The government of Vietnam has given full recognition to the Baha’i community as a religious organization.

A certificate was presented to representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Vietnam at a ceremony on 25 July.

It was the final act in a series of steps that included the election four months ago of the Baha’i Assembly – itself a landmark event in that it was the first time in many years that elections for the governing council were held. Government representatives were on hand to observe the balloting.

The head of the central government’s Committee for Religious Affairs, Nguyen The Doanh, officiated at last week’s ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City.

The official government news agency reported the event and referred to comments by the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is, Mr. Nguyen Thuc: “(He) said the Government's recognition of the Baha'i religion ‘charts a new course of development for the entire Baha'i community’ and motivates followers to make more contributions to social and humanitarian activities and to drive to preserve traditional spiritual values.”

[...] The Vietnam News Agency said last week’s ceremony means that “the Government's Committee for Religious Affairs has recognized the Baha'i Community of Vietnam as a religious organization able to operate on an equal footing with other religions.”

Baha’is of Vietnam are now working on consolidating their community, gathering accurate statistics, and expanding social projects to serve the people of Vietnam, particularly in the area of education.

(refd: http://news.bahai.org/story/647)

2009

May 1-2, 2009

Second Nat'l Convention in Danang. (refd)

Timeline 2010-present

2010

April 2010

Third Nat'l Convention in Can Tho. (refd)

2011

April 2011

the Baha’i Community of Vietnam held its fourth National Congress in the city of Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province. More than 300 members of the Baha’i Faith gathered for the annual election of their national nine-member religious administrative board known as the National Spiritual Assembly. During the gathering, for the first time the government allowed Baha’i representatives from other regional nations to join the event and actively participate. Members of the community were joined by representatives from the Baha’i Advisory Board for Asia and its Board of Trustees for Southeast Asia. (refd)

2012

April 2012

The 5th Baha’i National convention takes place in Hanoi. Alongside the annual election of the National Spiritual Assembly, a celebration of the 20th anniversary of establishment of the Baha'i Faith in Hanoi takes place. (refd...)

May 2012

For the first time, the government grants 20 members of the Baha'i Faith permission to participate in a pilgrimage to the Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa, Israel. The nine-day pilgrimage allowed the Bahá'ís to visit religious shrines and meet with fellow believers. (refd: IRF 2012)

August 2012

The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Hanoi celebrated the 20th anniversary of its establishment in that city. The day-long public celebration was attended by nearly 100 followers from the northern area of the country, 20 foreign Bahais representing countries in the region, and government officials. (refd: IRF 2012)

October 2012

Bahá'í representatives attend an inter-religious meeting held by the Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese's Pastoral Services, on themes of overcoming hardship and misery and increasing cooperation in charitable activities. (refd: IRF 2012)

2013

April 2013

6th Nat'l convention, Ho Chi Minh City. (not refd yet)

May 2013

For the first time, the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of a reunified Vietnam attend the 11th International Baha'i Convention at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel, and participate in the election of the Universal House of Justice. (not refd yet)

6-8 September 2013

A group of Vietnamese Baha'i youth attend one of 114 regional youth conferences held in Battambang, Cambodia. (not yet refd: http://news.bahai.org/community-news/youth-conferences/)

2014

2014

Two major Baha'i youth conferences take place in Vietnam; one in Hanoi, and the other in Da Nang. (not refd yet)

April 2014

7th Nat'l convention, Ho Chi Minh City. (not refd yet)

References

• Lược Sử Tôn Giáo Baha'i Tại Việt Nam: 50 Năm - Một Chặng Đường, 1954-2004 [The History of the Baha'i Faith in Vietnam: 50 Years - One Way, 1954-2004] (in Vietnamese). Baha'i Community of Vietnam. 2004. p. 76.
• Lê Lộc (1972). Baha'i Là Gì? [What Is Baha'i?] (in Vietnamese). National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Vietnam. p. 248.