Religions have made significant contributions to the overall achievements of the country.

(Chinhphu.vn) - This was affirmed by Minister of Ethnic Minorities and Religion Dao Ngoc Dung during his visit to extend Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 greetings to the Archbishop's Palace of the Archdiocese of Hanoi and the Protestant Church (Northern region) on the afternoon of December 17th.

The delegation included Deputy Minister of Ethnic Minorities and Religion Nguyen Hai Trung, leaders of the Government's Religious Affairs Committee, several departments and units of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religion, and leaders of the Hanoi Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion.

At the Archbishop's Palace of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Minister of Ethnic Minorities and Religion Dao Ngoc Dung wished Archbishop Vu Van Thien, along with priests, religious, and Catholic compatriots, a peaceful and happy Christmas season. - Photo: VGP/Anh Dung

At the Archbishop's Palace of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, extending wishes for a peaceful and happy Christmas to Archbishop Vu Van Thien, priests, religious, and Catholic people, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung provided information on the socio -economic situation and achievements of the country in 2025 and the period 2021-2025.

The Minister stated that, from the beginning of his term, the country has faced many unprecedented and unpredictable difficulties and challenges both domestically and internationally, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, and trade wars. However, under the leadership of the Party, the decisive management of the State, and the unity of the people, Vietnam has overcome difficulties and achieved many positive results. Minister Dao Ngoc Dung said that at the G7 and G20 conferences, in the context of a challenging global economy and rising poverty, Vietnam's achievements are all the more commendable.

"GDP growth in 2025 is expected to reach approximately 8%, averaging around 6.3% over the next five years, and per capita income has reached $5,000. Vietnam's happiness index has risen 37 places, and the size of Vietnam's economy ranks 32nd in the world. This provides a foundation for us to strive for double-digit growth in the future," the Minister stated.

According to the Minister, religions and religious followers have made significant contributions to the country's overall achievements, especially through their active participation in poverty reduction and social security programs. The Minister affirmed that with increasingly better coordination between Party committees, government agencies at all levels, and religious organizations, the lives of religious followers are improving, giving them more resources to focus on social activities.

On behalf of the priests, religious, and lay people, Archbishop Vu Van Thien expressed his profound gratitude for the Party and State's concern for the Catholic community, especially during each Christmas and New Year celebration.

The Archbishop also shared about the activities of the Hanoi Diocese over the past year, including priestly training and ordination, church construction, and auxiliary projects. These activities have received attention and support from all levels of government. Priests and religious are striving to fulfill their responsibilities according to the regulations of the Church, accompanying the nation.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung visits and extends his best wishes to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (Northern region) on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year 2026 - Photo: VGP/Anh Dung

On the same day, during a visit to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (Northern region), Minister Dao Ngoc Dung extended his best wishes for a peaceful and happy Christmas to Pastor Bui Van San, the church's president, pastors, deacons, evangelists, and fellow believers.

The Minister acknowledged and highly appreciated the achievements of the Church in the past period, affirming that the clergy have effectively played their role in leading the faithful to "live the Gospel in the heart of the nation," linking service to God with the responsibility of serving the Fatherland and the people. In particular, the Church and its faithful have actively participated in humanitarian and charitable activities, blood donation, tissue donation, and support for those in need. Recently, in response to the severe damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in many mountainous provinces, through the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the faithful donated approximately 11 billion VND, demonstrating a spirit of responsibility and sharing with the community.

The Minister also highly appreciated the fact that the religious community is increasingly raising its awareness of complying with the law, actively engaging in labor and production, and contributing to improving family and social life.

Emphasizing the consistent policy of the Party and State on respecting and guaranteeing freedom of belief and religion, the Minister stated that religious activities have seen many positive changes recently, especially since the Law on Belief and Religion was promulgated. Currently, the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions is coordinating to finalize the draft amendment to the Law, aiming to create more favorable conditions for religious organizations to operate effectively and in accordance with the law.

On behalf of the Church, Pastor Bui Van San, the President, expressed gratitude for the attention and support from the Party, the State, and the Minister personally; and affirmed that he would continue to guide the faithful to unite, participate in patriotic emulation movements, and contribute to building national unity and developing the country.

Son Hao

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/cac-ton-giao-dong-gop-quan-important-vao-thanh-tuu-chung-cua-dat-nuoc-102251217205513733.htm