Various models of military-civilian religious bonding
The MR7 Command has implemented numerous initiatives to foster unity between the military and religious communities. A prominent example is the cultural and sports facility built by MR7 at Masjid Jamiul Niamah mosque in Suoi Day commune, Tan Chau district, Tay Ninh province. Mrs. Thi Amina, a local resident, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Everyone here is happy with this meaningful gift. It’s a place where both children and adults can exercise and improve their health.”
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MR7 leader and Lam Dong provincial officials cut the ribbon to inaugurate a cultural and sports facility in Lieng Sronh commune, Dam Rong district. |
Similarly, Mrs. Ha Thi Lan Dung, a Catholic resident from Bu Gia Map district, Binh Phuoc province, was grateful when she moved into her new gratitude house, saying that she never imagined she would own a house like this. “I am deeply thankful to the Party, the State, and the military,” she added.
At the end of 2023, Defense-Economic Unit 778 accomplished another project, handing over 23 gratitude houses and a cultural and sports complex to local communities, all valued at more than VND 2.5 billion.
From 2019 to present, MR 7 has annually built over 300 houses and various cultural facilities for religious and ethnic groups. In 2023 alone, the military region, in collaboration with local authorities, businesses, and religious organizations, constructed over 400 gratitude houses, worth nearly VND 40 billion. They also built 34 cultural and sports centers in religious and ethnic minority areas, valued at over VND 13 billion.
Father Nguyen The Truong, Pastor of Tan Lap Parish in Bac Tan Uyen district, Binh Duong province, noted, “This sports facility has become a communal gathering place, especially for the youth. It has strengthened ties among people.”
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MR7 leaders hold a meeting with religious dignitaries during the 2024 Lunar New Year celebrations. |
The cooperation between MR7 and religious communities continues to grow, with vibrant activities such as the "Mobilizing religious communities to protect security and social order" campaign and the "Cultural exchange camp between the region’s armed forces and religious and ethnic communities." Additionally, MR7 has held hundreds of annual defense and security knowledge courses for religious leaders, further cementing these bonds.
Religious communities contribute to national defense
Currently, MR7 has nearly 100 Party members who are religious followers. Each year, about 4,000 young people from religious backgrounds join the military. Religious leaders, such as Father Tran Quang Vinh, a member of the Ho Chi Minh Municipal People's Council and Pastor of Dong Quang Parish, actively encourage young parishioners to fulfill their military service duties.
Cao Dai religious leader, Head Priest Thuong Tam Thanh, also emphasized that Cao Dai dignitaries consistently uphold the principle of "A glorious nation, a bright faith," and regularly join the defense and security knowledge training programs organized by the military, then educate followers to respect law and contribute to local development.
Mr. Truong Dinh Can, Vice Chairman of the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics of Lam Dong province, highlighted how local religious leaders and institutions participate in defense and security knowledge training programs, reinforcing national unity bloc and contributing to a peaceful society.
Lieutenant General Tran Hoai Trung, Political Commissar of MR7, praised the role of religious leaders and dignitaries, stating, “Their credibility and exemplary conduct have inspired religious followers to trust the authorities and obey law. The religious communities’ values of compassion and charity continue to shine in social life, bringing happiness to many people.”
Translated by Trung Thanh