Religions accompanying nation in development process

Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Cao Bang rovince organise fund-raising campaign in support of people affected by Typhoon Yagi. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - In the 2019-2024 term, followers of various religions, along with their compatriots across the country, have highly promoted the spirit of patriotism and mutual support, stood side by side with the nation to overcome all difficulties and challenges, and actively implemented all action programmes of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) to create internal strengths and breakthrough motivations for the protection, building, and development of the nation.

Contributing to preserving traditional culture

An active member of the VFF, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) at all levels consistently disseminates and encourages its followers and Buddhists to comply with the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws through diverse and practical methods.

In the 2019-2024 period, the VBS has actively participated in patriotic emulation movements and campaigns initiated by the VFF, such as the "All people stay united to build cultural life in residential areas" and "All people stay united to build new-style rural areas and civilised urban areas" campaigns, and the "Paying gratitude", "For the poor", and "Vietnamese people prioritise Vietnamese goods" movements.

Each year, the VBS, monks, nuns, and Buddhists contribute trillions of Vietnamese dong to social charity work, and provide humanitarian aid to disaster victims.

Following the policies of the Party, State, and VFF Central Committee on taking care for and uniting Vietnamese people abroad, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has called on overseas Vietnamese to stay united and contribute more to the homeland.

With 21 Vietnamese Buddhist associations and various Buddhist communities in Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Australia, the VBS annually organises dissemination trips to serve the overseas Vietnamese community on the occasions of Buddha's Birthday, Vu Lan Festival, and Lunar New Year. These activities help the community feel secure and contribute to preserving cultural traditions, language, writings, and customs of the Vietnamese people, while fostering patriotism towards the Fatherland.

Bringing spirit of love and service to community

Also a member of the VFF, the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics (CSVC) always encourages followers to follow the Party’s guidelines, the State’s policies and laws, as well as the Front’s action programmes.

The Catholic community nationwide consistently upholds a sense of awareness and vigilance against plots that take advantage of issues related to ethnicity and religion in order to separate and undermine national unity.

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the VFF Central Committee Do Van Chien said that over the past five years, the CSVC has actively encouraged the community to participate in patriotic emulation movements and campaigns initiated by the VFF, and engaged in efforts to ease poverty in their localities, thus contributing to socio-economic development and stability.

The Catholic community has launched a wide range of charitable and humanitarian activities in support of vulnerable groups in the society, including free medical check-ups and treatment for the poor, as well as the provision of community healthcare services.

In addition, numerous parishes and religious communities across the country have established preschools, childcare programmes, and vocational training courses. Notably, in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, there are currently 90 private preschools established and managed by female Catholics, serving thousands of children.

For the coming time, the Vietnam Fatherland Front identifies one of its key tasks as continuing to promote and encourage the people to exercise their rights to freedom of belief and religion in accordance with the law and in alignment with the cultural traditions of the nation.

By promoting the beautiful cultural and ethical values and resources of various religions, the Front and its member organisations, such as the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics, will play a core role in encouraging followers of different faiths to actively participate in and contribute to the nation's development; and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the people./.

VNA