Home Page
Religious News
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PROTESTANT CHURCH OF BAVARIA (GERMANY) VISITS THE CAO DAI HOLY SEE

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PROTESTANT CHURCH OF BAVARIA (GERMANY) VISITS THE CAO DAI HOLY SEE

Updated 2026-04-10 07:58:33

(Tay Ninh April 5, 2026 – News and photos by CaodaiTV Editorial Board)

On the morning of April 5, 2026 (the 18th day of the 2nd lunar month, Year of the Horse), the Tay Ninh Holy See welcomed a distinguished guest from Europe: Dr. Matthias Pöhlmann – a high-ranking representative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, Germany. This visit marks a significant milestone in introducing the Cao Dai faith to the global community.

The delegation was officially received and guided by Archbishop Ngoc Hong Thanh, Chief of the Interior Ministry of the Caodai Sacerdotal Council.

This historic visit was facilitated through the direct connection of Priest Thuong Canh Thanh, former Head of the Overseas Representative Board of the Cao Dai Sacerdotal Council. Thanks to this coordination, the German scholar was able to fulfill his mission of researching the Cao Dai faith directly at its spiritual heart in Tay Ninh.

Dr. Matthias Pöhlmann is a prominent European voice in academia and religion:

-He holds the title of PD Dr. theol. habil. (Privatdozent), the highest academic lecturing qualification in Germany, reflecting his profound expertise in Theology and Religious Studies.
-He serves as a Church Councilor and the official representative for Sects and Worldview Issues for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria.
-He is a lecturer in Religious History at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

During the tour of the Great Temple, Archbishop Ngoc Hong Thanh engaged in an insightful dialogue with Dr. Pöhlmann regarding Cao Dai’s philosophy of "Great Unity" and its core mission of interfaith harmony.

Dr. Pöhlmann’s primary objective was to gather authentic data for a feature article to be published in a reputable magazine in Munich. He expressed deep admiration for the unique architecture of the Holy See and the warm hospitality of the Church.

Dr. Pöhlmann shared in the guestbook:

"Many thanks for the very interesting information on Cao Dai. In Germany, this religion is not yet very well known. All the more, it is of interest for me as a religious scholar to learn more about it and to report on it."

— PD Dr. Matthias Pöhlmann, Munich/Germany

This meeting between a leading Protestant representative from Germany and the dignitaries of the Cao Dai Holy See is more than a simple visit; it is a testament to a world where different faiths can meet in mutual respect and shared humanity.

Here are a few photos of the visit.