At the meeting, Trong Kim briefed his host on religious activities in Vietnam such as the role of religious organizations in the socialization of healthcare, education, social welfare, vocational training, HIV/AIDS prevention and control and environmental protection; legal basis for religious activities and contributions of religious organizations over recent years.
Many religious institutions have become involved in preschool education and health care with 905 preschool classes set up by religious organizations. As many as 3,620 classrooms designed and fully equipped with good facilities have demonstrated the remarkable religious contributions to the nation’s socio-economic development.
Vietnam is home to 14 orthodox religions and 41 religious organisations recognised by the State with 22.1 million followers, a number of which are members of the VFF, Kim said.
Professor Mary Ann Glendon in turn said she hopes the visit would give Vietnam and the US more opportunities to understand each other and become partners in the field of religion.
At the meeting, USCIRF members raised many questions about conditions for religions to become a VFF member, the rights of religions when they are VFF members and State management in terms of religious and belief freedom.
