Local religious dignitaries and clergy have been playing an important role in encouraging followers to exercise their voting rights, contributing to strengthening national unity and promoting civic responsibility during what is widely considered a major national event.

Religious leaders help enhance voter awareness

Following guidance from central and local authorities, religious organisations across Thanh Hoa have stepped up efforts to inform clergy members, religious officials and followers about their rights and responsibilities as citizens participating in the upcoming elections.

Preparations for the election day on March 15 are increasingly visible at places of worship and religious gathering sites across the province.

At Buddhist establishments, messages about civic responsibility and national engagement are often integrated into religious activities. At Vinh Thai Pagoda in Trung Chinh commune, large numbers of Buddhists gather for worship during the early days of the year in an atmosphere that is both solemn and lively.

According to Thich Nguyen Hoi, standing member of the Executive Board of the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam in Thanh Hoa and abbot of Vinh Thai Pagoda, the pagoda regularly integrates information about the election into evening chanting and Dharma talks.

Through these activities, monks, nuns and followers not only learn Buddhist teachings but also gain a better understanding of the significance of the election and the roles of the National Assembly and local People’s Councils in the state system.

“When people clearly understand their rights and responsibilities, they recognise that each ballot is a meaningful contribution to the development of their community and the country,” he said.

In addition to direct communication, the pagoda also works with local media channels to encourage followers to study the list of candidates carefully before making their choice.

Catholic parishes promote civic responsibility

A similar spirit of civic engagement is evident within Catholic parishes, guided by the principle of “living the Gospel in the heart of the nation.”

According to Pham Van Nhan, priest of Thai Yen parish in Cong Chinh commune, he regularly reminds more than 3,000 parishioners to fulfill their civic duties and actively participate in the elections.

During Sunday Mass, the priest and local authorities provide information about the electoral process so that parishioners better understand legal regulations and procedures.

He also encourages parishioners to remain vigilant and not be influenced by misleading or distorted information that could undermine the election.

At Bach Cau parish in Nga Son commune, Nguyen Van Linh, another priest, often emphasises during the mass that voting is not only a legal right but also a responsibility of Catholic citizens guided by the spirit of patriotism.

He particularly encourages young voters who will participate in elections for the first time to study candidates’ profiles and action plans before casting their ballots.

Strengthening the link between religious and civic life

The connection between religious life and civic engagement is also reflected through local community figures.

In Thai Yen hamlet, Cong Chinh commune, Nguyen Chi Thanh, a respected Catholic parishioner and village head with two decades of community service, is currently running as a candidate for the local People’s Council. With a deep understanding of local community life, he actively communicates the Party and State’s policies to religious voters.

According to Thanh, outreach efforts follow a gradual approach, often taking place during community meetings or informal discussions after religious services.

He noted that voting is both a civic duty and a responsibility consistent with religious values, encouraging residents to review voter lists and candidate information displayed at public notice boards.

Such examples of individuals actively contributing to both religious and civic life have strengthened trust within local communities.

Tran Van Luyen, a Catholic parishioner from Bach Cau parish, said that thanks to the outreach efforts of religious leaders and local authorities, many residents now have a clearer understanding of the election’s significance.

“Many people have begun studying the candidates’ profiles themselves and believe they will choose representatives who truly serve the people,” he said.

Religious communities contribute to national unity

Thanh Hoa has a diverse spiritual and religious landscape with multiple beliefs and religions coexisting.

The province currently has about 3,113 places of folk belief such as communal houses, temples and shrines. In addition, four major religions – Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism and Cao Dai – operate with 404 religious worship places and more than 332,300 followers.

Among them, Catholicism accounts for the largest share with 92 parishes and more than 162,000 followers, while Protestantism has about 8,000 followers and Cao Dai around 800 followers.

Although Buddhist followers are counted differently, their number is estimated to be roughly equivalent to that of Catholic believers in the province.

Over the years, religious communities in Thanh Hoa have made significant contributions to socio-economic development, rural development programmes and the maintenance of social order.

Local authorities are continuing to coordinate with religious organisations and grassroots administrations to strengthen communication and encourage voters to participate in the elections.

These efforts not only enhance religious followers’ understanding of their civic rights and responsibilities but also reinforce the spirit of national unity during the country’s important electoral event.

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