Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) Dak Lak (VNA) – Central Highlands provinces have created optimal conditions for local Catholic followers to freely practise their religions in line with law and partake in patriotic movements, contributing to socio-economic development in the region.
According to the Steering Committee for the Central Highlands Region, the region is home to more than 1 million Catholic and Protestant followers.
Over the past years, local Christians have freely practised their beliefs and religions at home and legal worshipping sites. Meanwhile, State-recognised religious organisations have been treated equally before law and dignitaries have been allowed to carry out their missionary work in line with religious regulations.
Nearly 1,240 worshipping places across the region have been built or upgraded, the committee said, adding that Dak Lak province alone is now home to 40 churches of 40 Catholic parishes.
Alliance evangelical divinity schools and seminaries across the country have welcomed more than 1,000 students hailing from the Central Highlands. Besides, many dignitaries and followers have been sent abroad for further study.
Almost religions in the Central Highlands have their own magazines and websites. As many as 30,000 bibles have been published in ethnic languages like Bana, Ede and Gia Rai, making it easier for ethnic groups to practice their religions.
Of note, local followers have enthusiastically responded to patriotic movements and the new-style rural area building programme.
In Dak Nong province, for example, over the past four years, almost all roads in the Vinh Anh Parish, Duc Minh commune have been cemented, thus facilitating goods transportation and production.
The provincial Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics said that Catholic followers in many localities have pioneered in applying scientific-technological advances in production, helping spur household economic development.
Enjoying better living standards, local Catholics and Protestants are joining hands in building essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, medical centres as well as charitable activities.
On those days when the Christmas is just around the corner, the followers are decorating their houses to welcome a merry festive season.-VNA
