Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung reaffirmed the vital role of religious communities in Vietnam’s development during his visits to the Archdiocese of Hanoi and the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) on December 17 to extend Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 greetings.

Joining him were Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung, leaders from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, various departments under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, and representatives of the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

At both locations, the Minister conveyed his warm Christmas wishes to bishops, pastors, clergy, deacons, followers, and religious communities. He expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of the Hanoi Archdiocese and the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) to the country’s development.

Faith communities standing beside national progress

At the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung extended his greetings to Archbishop Vu Van Thien and the broader Catholic community. He also briefed the religious leaders on the nation’s socioeconomic achievements in 2025 and throughout the 2021–2025 period.

He noted that the country had overcome unprecedented challenges at the start of the term - such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and global trade tensions - thanks to strong leadership from the Party, decisive governance, and unity among the people.

Sharing his experiences at global conferences like the G7 and G20, the Minister acknowledged the growing hardship worldwide, including a sharp increase in extreme poverty compared to pre-2019. In this context, Vietnam’s progress is especially commendable.

“GDP growth in 2025 reached around 8%, with an average of 6.3% over five years. Per capita income hit 5,000 USD. Our happiness index rose by 37 ranks globally, and the Vietnamese economy is now the 32nd largest in the world. These are solid foundations to aim for double-digit growth in the near future,” he stated.

The Minister emphasized that religious groups significantly contributed to these achievements, particularly through poverty alleviation and social welfare initiatives. Thanks to improved cooperation between authorities and religious institutions, believers now enjoy better living conditions and increased opportunities to support community work.

Archbishop Vu Van Thien, on behalf of clergy and followers, thanked the government for its ongoing care and support, especially during the Christmas and New Year seasons.

He shared updates on the Hanoi Archdiocese’s activities over the past year, including priestly ordinations, infrastructure development, and church construction - all of which were supported by local authorities. Priests and religious workers are fulfilling their responsibilities in alignment with Church doctrine while contributing to national development.

Evangelical Church’s role praised in charity and national efforts

On the same day, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung also visited the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North), where he extended heartfelt holiday wishes to Pastor Bui Van San, Head of the Church, and to pastors, deacons, evangelists, and faithful followers.

He acknowledged the Church’s consistent efforts over the years and praised its leaders for encouraging believers to “live the gospel in the heart of the nation,” blending spiritual service with civic duty.

“In humanitarian fields - from blood and tissue donation to disaster relief - your support has been outstanding. During the recent Yagi typhoon that struck many northern provinces, your community raised nearly 11 billion VND (around 451,000 USD) through the Vietnam Fatherland Front to support affected residents. This reflects your deep compassion and civic spirit,” the Minister emphasized.

He noted the growing legal awareness among Evangelical believers and their active engagement in improving both material and spiritual life, not only for their families but also for society.

“Religious institutions like the Evangelical Church have supported national policies, particularly poverty reduction, rural development, and programs aimed at ethnic minorities and remote regions,” he added.

Pastor Bui Van San expressed sincere gratitude for the government’s support, especially from Minister Dao Ngoc Dung. He highlighted the Church’s century-long presence in Vietnam and its official legal recognition since 1958. Throughout its history, the Evangelical Church has consistently walked alongside the nation and its people.

Proud of the country’s recent economic, social, and diplomatic achievements, Pastor Bui Van San pledged to continue guiding believers to embrace national solidarity and contribute more actively to Vietnam’s development.

Ongoing efforts to improve religious policy and legal framework

During the visits, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung also listened to and acknowledged feedback from religious organizations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring stable, lawful, and effective religious activities under national laws and religious charters.

Pastor Bui Van San noted that while the Church still faces challenges, it continues to receive significant support from central and local authorities. This has allowed religious practices to remain largely stable, especially in Hanoi.

He shared that the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) now comprises about 1,400 congregations and gatherings, 900 clergy members, and around 240,000 followers. More than 90% of these are ethnic minorities, particularly Hmong, followed by Dao, Kinh, and others - many living in geographically remote and difficult-to-access areas.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung reaffirmed the consistent policy of the Party and State to respect religious freedom and belief. He noted improved awareness among authorities and society about religious rights, especially since the passage of the Law on Belief and Religion. Under Party leadership and government management, legal enforcement has become more effective and uniform.

He added that the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is working with relevant agencies to revise the Law on Belief and Religion, aiming to create the most favorable legal environment for religious organizations to operate lawfully and in harmony with their respective charters.

“In drafting and revising religious policies, input from religious leaders and organizations is crucial. We value the voices of priests, pastors, and religious dignitaries in helping to refine institutional frameworks and build a legal corridor that supports faith-based activities,” he concluded.

Some photos of Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and the delegation during their Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 visits: