VietNamNet Bridge – The seventh National Buddhist Congress re-ordained the Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue as Patriarch of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha's Patronage Council at its closing ceremony in Ha Noi on Saturday.

The two-day Congress reviewed the Sangha's work during the 2007-12 term, and adopted a Buddhist working plan for the 2012-17 term and the Sangha's ammended Chapter. It also approved a list of 1,180 dignitaries for ordainment.

The Congress nominated a 24-member Patronage Council and elected 61 members to the Executive Council, headed by Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh.

In his closing speech, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, permanent Vice Chairman of the Sangha's Executive Council, affirmed that the Buddhist Sangha of Viet Nam would spare no effort continuing its work. This would be aided by support from the people, the Party, the Government and grassroots authorities.

The Congress honoured contributions made by Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers inside and outside the country. The Congress thanked the Party, the State and grassroots authorities for creating favourable conditions for the sustainable development of the Sangha.

VietNamNet/VNS