Hoa Hao Buddhists convene fourth congress
Delegates from Hoa Hao Buddhist chapters nationwide gathered at An Hoa Pagoda in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang on May 22 for the sect’s fourth congress for the 2014-2019 term.
The congress’ opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and head of the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs Pham Dung, and other Party, Government and Fatherland Front officials.
The congress elected a 27-member Central Executive Board of the sect, headed by Nguyen Tan Dat.
In its action programme for the fourth tenure, the Central Executive Board of Hoa Hao Buddhist Sect said it will continue upholding achievements reached in the last tenure, contributing to promoting moral values and national culture quintessence.
The sect will also work to foster more social and charitable activities, thus joining hands with other religions and people nationwide in the national construction process.
During the third tenure lasting from 2009-2014, the sect built many houses for the poor and bridges in rural areas, and presented gifts to the needy at a total sum of more than VND734 billion (nearly US$34.5 million).
Founded in 1939 in An Giang province, the Hoa Hao Buddhist sect has developed in 19 provinces and cities nationwide with over 2 million followers.