Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the conference (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked Ministries, sectors and localities to intensify works related to Protestantism , focusing on encouraging Protestants to more strictly abide by Party guidelines, and State policies and laws .
Speaking at a conference held in Hanoi on November 5 to review the implementation of Directive No. 01/2005/CT-TTg on tasks regarding Protestantism, issued by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2005, the Deputy PM emphasised the importance of communication campaigns that would raise public awareness about the Party’s and State’s policies on religion in general and Protestantism in particular.
He called for greater efforts to create better material and spiritual lives for religious people by promoting socio-economic development programmes – especially in remote and mountainous areas.
The Deputy PM also stressed that it is necessary to fight hostile forces’ schemes to take advantage of religious matters , especially those working under the cloak of Protestantism who seek to damage national unity.
Reports presented at the conference showed that the 10-year implementation of the directive has proved that related Party guidelines and State policies regarding Protestantism are righteous, timely and in line with the specific contexts in the northwest and the Central Highlands, where this religion remains complicated.
Participants said the directive changed public awareness about Protestantism and works related to the religion across country, especially in the northern mountainous region.
At present, 54 out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide are home to nearly 40 different Protestant organisations, with more than 600 chapters and 2,700 groups.
The directive has stimulated Protestants’ engagement in poverty elimination efforts, and charitable and humanitarian activities, improved their relationship with different religious communities and promoted local State agencies’ management of religious affairs.
However, attending officials said Protestantism remains complicated; some groups have yet to be recognised and due attention hasn’t been paid to overseeing their activities.
They also agreed on the need to continue encouraging Protestant dignitaries and followers to comply with Party guidelines, and State policies and laws, while bettering the management of the religion in the coming time.-VNA
