VietNamNet Bridge – The Government Committee for Religious Affairs yesterday (Dec 19) held a seminar to review its performance in 2013 and discuss plans for 2014.

The Committee reported that government management of religions affairs had been more effective this year, upholding the citizen's right to religious freedom and belief.

The Committee focused on instructions for religious organisation in holding international and national conferences, maintaining safety during events, and obedience to laws and religious regulations.

Also, improvement in the competence of staff working in religious management agencies must be taken seriously by the organisation providing training courses for these staff, the committee said.

It also required agencies to create legal systems on religions, such as drafting the amended Ordinance on Religions and Beliefs and other legal documents instructing the Ordinance's implementation.

The Committee reported that government management of religions affairs had been more effective this year, upholding the citizen's right to religious freedom and belief.

The Committee has co-ordinated with ministries and agencies to successfully enact last year's plan, actively providing sound advice to the State and Party in issues relating to religions and beliefs.

In addition, international relation in this field had been fostered, creating favourable conditions for religious organisations in the country to take part in international activities and contributing to the country's comprehensive international integration policy.

Also, arising religious issues have been addressed in a timely and effective manner.

At the conference, attendees discussed remaining problems in state management of religions and beliefs and provided recommendations for the coming year.

Viet Nam Fatherland Front wishes Catholics Merry Christmas

On the same day, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front's Vice President and General Secretary Vu Trong Kim visited the Phat Diem Cathedral in northern Ninh Binh Province's Kim Son District prior to Christmas.

The VFF's Vice President extended his best wishes to all Catholics and affirmed that Catholics in the district had contributed considerably to the achievements of the province in the past year.

He said he hoped that the Catholic community will continue exerting their efforts in the implementation of the State and Party's policies and law.

Yesterday officials from the Central Steering Committee for the Central Highlands visited Catholic and Protestant followers in their jurisdiction to extend compliments of the Christmas season.

A delegation led by the committee's deputy head H'Ngam Nie Kdam visited the Office of the Bishop of Da Lat diocese and the Catholic Solidarity Committee of Lam Dong Province.

She extended thanks to the bishop and priests for assisting the State in efforts to improve the living conditions of local people.

Earlier, the delegation met with Catholics and Protestants in Dak Nong Province to extend Christmas wishes.

Another delegation of the committee also paid a visit to leaders of churches and religious communities in Kon Tum Province.

Source: VNS