The implementation of a Party resolution on religious affairs has brought about positive changes in religious life in Vietnam, says a top Politburo member.
Truong Tan Sang, who is also a permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, addressed a conference in Hanoi on July 30 to review the implementation of the resolution which was adopted at the 7th Party conference five years ago.
Mr Sang acknowledged that all religious sects have abided by the law, living a secular life along with the nation. Dignitaries and followers have always trusted in the Party leadership and taken an active part in socio-economic development programmes, especially charity activities, role model movements and their religious festivals in a lawful and orderly manner.
However, he said, an increase in the number of recognised sects recently and the distinctive features of their history require policymakers and managers to tackle issues which arise in everyday life to ensure the interests of the nation and religious followers as well.
In a report delivered at the event, Ha Thi Khiet, chairwoman of the Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation, insisted that remarkable progress has been made in encouraging religious followers to take part in exemplary role model movements and to build the bloc of great national unity. She said that religious sects have flourished in terms of the number of followers and places of worship from the central to grassroots-level. All sects and followers have been provided with favourable conditions to practise their faith.
Vietnam has also made important achievements in external affairs on religion, gathering great public support and assistance from inside and outside the country.
“This has testified to the Party and State’s policy of respecting and guaranteeing citizens’ right to freedom of religion and belief, contributing to the country’s external affairs during the integration process,” said Ms Khiet.
She said that in the coming years the focus will continue to be on raising public awareness of Party guidelines and State policies on religion. Followers will be offered more favourable conditions to practise faith according to their charters and national law.
At the conference, delegates looked at lessons drawn from implementing the resolution and solutions for making religious affairs more efficient in the near future.
Source: VOV