State management sector on religious affairs praised for contributions to national unity bloc

The Government Committee for Religious Affairs on July 30 held a celebration for its 60th anniversary of establishment and the national day of the State management sector on religious affairs (August 2, 1955-2015).

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam presents the Independence Order, first class to the Government Committee for Religious Affairs in recognition of its contributions and development over the last 60 years. (Image credit: VGP)

The opening speech by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Pham Dung stated that in over 60 years of operations, the Committee and State management sector on religious affairs have constantly developed to perform duties entrusted by the Party and State.

The sector has advised the Party and State on guidelines, policies and laws on religion, as well as implementing State management functions on religious activities in accordance with the guidelines and policies of the Party and by the laws of the State.

The Government Committee for Religious Affairs has played its role as a contact agency with religious organisations, encouraging religious followers to participate in national construction and defence, and has contributed greatly to the fight against forces abusing beliefs and religion to disrupt the nation’s cause of construction and defence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stressed that over 60 years of development and growth, the sector has played a key role in implementation of religious policies by the Party and State, contributing to strengthening and promoting the great national unity bloc, and maintaining national security and socio-economic development.

He also emphasised that the building and protecting of the country is the duty of all Vietnamese people, whether at home or living and studying abroad.

Vietnamese people, whether adopting a religion or not, have ardent patriotism and the will to strive for national independence, for freedom and happiness of the people. Religion is a legitimate spiritual need of a large part of the population so the role of the State management sector on religious affairs will become increasingly important, along with the important role of the sector’s staff, he added.

On behalf of the Party and State, Deputy PM Dam awarded the Independence Order, first class to the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)