27 percent of population are religious followers: committee

Hanoi (VNA) – As many as 39 organisations of 14 religions have been recognised with about 24.3 million followers, or 27 percent of the population, reported the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.

The organisations, practicing their religion in 27,900 worship places nationwide, are operating stably and show strict observation of Party and State policies and laws as well as strong attachment to the nation, according to the committee.

The organisations are effective channels in popularising policies and laws. They have actively taken part in the building of government at all levels, with many dignitaries joining the National Assembly and People’s Councils and the Fatherland Front, the committee added.

People’s right to freedom of religion and belief is ensured, which leads to more confidence among religious believers in the leadership of the Party and contributes to national development, it noted.

However, the committee also warned of a number of problems facing religious activities, including the abuse of religion to conduct activities to cause social disorder and harm the international integration of the country.

During a working session with the committee, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh underscored the Party and State’s consistent policy of observing the right to freedom of religion and belief, as well as to the normal operation of religions within the framework of law.

He emphasised that religious matters are not covered the Government Committee for Religious Affairs alone but the whole political system, especially local government.

The Deputy PM pointed to the need to build a favourable legal corridor for religious activities, while asking the committee to work with other ministries, sectors and localities to give advice to the Government on how to deal with complicated problems related to religion, as well as ideas to finalise the proposal to make overall policy on religions and beliefs.

He also requested the committee to complete the draft Law on Religions and Beliefs to submit to the National Assembly soon.

Meanwhile, the committee should step up the reform of administrative procedures and create all favourable legal conditions for religious organisations to operate in line with the law, he demanded.-VNA