State does not prevent people’s religious activities

15/05/2008 -- 10:03 PM

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang praised Vietnam’s respect for religious freedom during Vesak celebrations held in Hanoi on May 15. “Freedom means the State not to forbid or hinder people form performing religious activities, I myself and many others leading religious lives do not have any obstacles while heading religious ceremonies and giving lectures in many places,” Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang said. “Every people and country has different way of looking at religious freedom and the best way is to visit and see with our own eyes to assess the situation. “Vesak 2008 being held in Vietnam is a chance for foreign visitors to witness freedom in Vietnam and they would assess the situation by themselves.” The venerable monk, who is Vice Chairman of the Executive Council and Head of the International Committee of VBS, said after experiences of war, Vietnamese and Buddhist followers all wished for independence, peace and unification and following national reunification all Buddhist sects met in Hanoi and were unanimous in establishing the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Over the past 27 years, Vietnamese Buddhists have followed their faith in the unique religious organisation set up with the desire and willingness of all followers, he said. All activities in the festival are imbued with Vietnamese Buddhism’s characters and reflect the fact the Buddha’s thoughts have become part of Vietnam’s culture, creating characteristics of the culture, the venerable monk said.-Enditem
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