The event taking place in Rach Gia City in the southern province of Kien Giang was co-chaired by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Vũ Chiến Thắng and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee of Kien Giang Đỗ Thanh Bình.

 Dr. Vũ Chiến Thắng, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, speaks at the conference.

 The one-day conference saw the presence of Vice Chairwoman of the GCRA Trần Thị Minh Nga and about 200 representatives of concerning ministries, central agencies and 35 provinces and cities where followers of Caodaism reside.

 Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee of Kien Giang Đỗ Thanh Bình delivers speech at the event.

As reported at the conference, Caodaism currently has 988 parishes in 35 provinces and cities, with 2,665,960 followers, 11,113 dignitaries, 43,653 deacons, 1,284 worshipping places and 64 representative committees.

For the past years, Caodai churches have operated with the working motto “Glorified Country – Enlightened Faith), closely attached to and accompanied with the nation, expanded exchanges and external relations with religious organizations overseas. Most of Caodai adherents have proactively engaged in social programs and movements launched for social-economic development in localities. Many worshiping places of Caodaism in the country have spaciously been reconstructed or upgraded.

 Vice Chairman of Government Religious Committee at the event.

The conference report also pointed out remaining issues, including disputes between Caodai sects and violations of the Law on Belief and Religion, etc. 

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister Vũ Chiến Thắng stressed the need to guide religious affairs of Caodai churches through charters of Caodai organizations and law provisions, and speed up studies and research on the state administration on Caodai faith.

The official also asked for enhanced training on the implementation of the Law on Belief and Religion and its guiding Decree No. 162, and close coordination with concerning state authorities for handling complicated issues relating Caodai practices, as well as professional fostering courses for personnel tasked with the state administration on Caodaism at provincial, district and commune levels.

On the occasion, Deputy Minister Vũ Chiến Thắng and Vice Chairwoman of the Trần Thị Minh Nga presented certificates of recommendation of the Home Affairs Ministry and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs to 16 individuals and 9 groups for their outstanding contributions to the state administration on Caodaism in the past years.

 Presenting certificates of recommendation to outstanding individuals and groups at reviewing conference.

PTT