On the occasion of Christmas 2025 and the upcoming New Year 2026, Dao Ngoc Dung, Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, sent a congratulatory letter to religious dignitaries, clergy, and followers of the Catholic and Protestant communities.

VietNamNet respectfully presents the full text of the Minister’s Christmas and New Year message:

On the occasion of Christmas 2025 and the upcoming New Year 2026, on behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, I would like to extend my warm greetings and best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year to all Catholic and Protestant dignitaries, clergy, and followers!

The year 2025 has witnessed many global fluctuations, affecting the political, economic, social, and religious life of many nations, including Vietnam.

Domestically, under the leadership of the Communist Party and with the consensus of people from all walks of life - including religious communities - our country has continued to achieve great success across political and economic spheres. National defense and security have been maintained, Vietnam’s international standing has been elevated, and social welfare and well-being have continued to improve.

Within these collective achievements lie the significant contributions of the Catholic and Protestant communities. Guided by the spirit of “honoring God, loving the nation” and “living a good life and practicing good faith,” Catholic and Protestant believers have actively joined local authorities and people nationwide in building new rural areas, developing civilized urban communities, eradicating makeshift housing, and participating in charitable and humanitarian work.

The Party and the State of Vietnam consistently pursue the policy of respecting and protecting the people’s right to freedom of belief and religion, while promoting the moral, cultural, and spiritual values that religions bring to national development.

The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is committed to doing its utmost to realize these Party and State policies in ethnic, belief, and religious affairs, while continuing to create favorable conditions for religious organizations to operate in accordance with the law.

The year 2026 will mark two significant national events: the 14th National Party Congress and the elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels (2026–2031 term). These events represent an important continuation of Vietnam’s journey into a new era - an era of national resurgence - with the goal of building a nation that is “prosperous, strong, democratic, just, and civilized.”

We strive for Vietnam to stand proudly among the world’s leading nations, where every citizen enjoys peace, well-being, and happiness.

The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs believes that in the time ahead, Catholic and Protestant dignitaries, clergy, and followers will continue to uphold the noble moral values of Christianity, joining people of all faiths and ethnicities in building a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developed Vietnam.

Once again, I wish all Christian dignitaries, clergy, and followers a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, happy New Year.

With sincere regards,

Dao Ngoc Dung
Member of the Party Central Committee
Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs