President To Lam meets dignitaries of all religious organisations

It’s reported that the State has so far recognized and licensed 43 organizations of 16 religions, with more than 27 million followers, accounting for over 27% of the country’s population. There are over 54,000 dignitaries, over 30,000 religious worship facilities and about 54,000 belief facilities nationwide.

Over the years, religious organizations and the majority of followers in Vietnam always uphold the tradition of patriotism and great national solidarity, and accompany the nation, making an important contribution to the cause of national construction and defence.

Religious organizations have encouraged dignitaries and followers to strictly abide by Party guidelines and State policies, becoming an important communication channel that brings Party guidelines and State policies and laws into life.

For his part, Lam affirmed that the Party and State always respect the freedom of belief and religion of citizens, considering it a legitimate need of a segment of the people.

The State creates favourable conditions for people of all religions to carry out normal religious activities and encourage work that benefits the country and family, contributing to building an increasingly prosperous and strong country, said the president.

He asked dignitaries and religious followers to coordinate well with Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front and mass organizations at all levels to effectively implement Party guidelines and State policies on religion and great national unity.

The President expressed hope that dignitaries would continue to act as a bridge between the Party and State and religious compatriots. He called on religious followers at home and abroad, to unite with compatriots and people across the country to actively respond to patriotic emulation and socio-economic - cultural development campaigns.

He also called on religious organizations, dignitaries, and followers of all religions to further uphold the spirit of solidarity, stay ready to fight and defeat the enemy’s subversive schemes, and show resolve to maintain political stability and develop the country.

The President requested the central agencies, ministries, Party Committees, and local authorities strictly implement Party policies and State laws on religion, and create favourable conditions for religions to practice in accordance with the law.