The congress saw the attendance of representatives from Buddhist Sanghas of 34 provinces and cities and other religions in the country.

Speaking at the plenary session on April 26, Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Head of the Executive Board of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha, emphasized the need to reform activities of the Sangha under the motto of “Dharma-Nation-Socialism”.

Over the past five years, Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers in HCM City have raised VND215.6 billion (roughly US$13.3 million) to support charitable activities and build and restore over 200 pagodas.

The congress elected a 56-member executive board for the municipal Buddhist Sangha for the 7^th term. Venerable Thich Tri Quang, who is also Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, was re-elected as Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Board.

On the occasion, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee presented Certificates of Merit and gifts to 262 organizations and individuals for their positive contributions to Buddhist affairs, charitable activities and national solidarity.