President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan wished Catholic and Protestant dignitaries and followers a merry Christmas.

In a letter to all Catholics and Protestants on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas, the front leader acknowledged and praised their great contributions to preserving and upholding the tradition of patriotism as well as their company with the nation.

Christmas atmosphere in Nam Dinh in 2014. (Photo for illustration)

Over the past years, Catholics and Protestants nationwide have actively actualised guidelines and policies of the Party and State, and assisted victims of natural disasters and underprivileged people, he said.

They have also enthusiastically responded to campaigns launched by the VFF and partaken in social welfare activities, fights against drug and social evils, and environmental protection, he added.

Nhan highlighted the signing of a cooperation programme on environmental protection and climate change response by 40 religious organisations, including representatives of Catholics and Protestants, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in early December this year.

The front leader expressed his hope that Catholic and Protestant followers will carry forward the patriotic tradition, continue to march together with the nation and lead a good life, both secularly and religiously, thus practically contributing to national construction and defence.

Source: VNA