From 11-12 December 2015, IGE’s Vietnam Program Officer Hien Vu facilitated a 2-day workshop on conflict resolution and mediation skills in Ho Chi Minh City. In attendance were 36 lead pastors from 30 churches including various Protestant denominations, all of whom are members of the Vietnam Evangelical Fellowship (VEF), a house church association in Southern Vietnam.

The workshop covered topics such as: conflict analysis, anger management, negotiation skills, and faith-based teaching on peacemaking. Participants shared personal stories and examined testimonies about conflict. Participants held candid discussions about conflicts and tension in their church, between churches and denominations, and church state relations.

Participants responded positively regarding future workshops and expressed their interest in replicating the trainings for others who were not yet able to join the beneficial training. Since the workshop, several participants have asked for permission to utilize both the curriculum and PowerPoint presentations as they provide similar trainings to their congregations.

Throughout 2015, IGE has supported and facilitated seven workshops that have trained a total of 330 religious leaders and government officials working on religious affairs on conflict resolution and mediation skills.