(VOVworld) – The Legitimate housing needs of Protestant Christians have been a constant concern for the Party and State, according to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs organized a conference to review the implementation of the Prime Minister’s instructions on Protestant Christian activities and housing and land related to religious affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the conference.

Since decree 1940 took effect 3 years ago, local governments have done a great job of accommodating religious organizations in regards to housing and land. Outstanding issues in the procedures of registering and certifying land use rights have been gradually resolved. Deputy Prime Minister Phuc says that the government will continue its policy on housing and land related to religious affairs, deal with religious land disputes in a timely manner, and provide religious organizations with necessary estate. Phuc asked localities to gather data concerning housing and land related to religious affairs and report to the government on a regular basis. “Our aim is to do a better job of dealing with religion-related housing and land issues to avoid incidents. Although in Vietnam land is owned by the state, the government always respects the legitimate needs of the people in accordance with the law”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s decree No. 01 issued in 2005 created a stable environment for Protestant Christians resulting in fewer petitions and civil disturbances. The religion now has more than 857,000 followers nationwide. The decree achieved a breakthrough in state management and integrated Protestant Christians into the society. The Protestants, particularly those in the northern mountainous regions and Central Highlands, have contributed a great deal to social and charitable activities and have co-operated with local governments to foil subversive schemes hatched under the cloak of Protestantism. They have also been active in the fight against backwardness, superstition, and social evils. Nguyen Thanh Xuan, Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs said: “Protestantism in Vietnam has seen drastic changes since 2005. Followers enjoy a better life as a result of the government’s more open policies. Efforts have been made to give the world a more accurate picture of religious life in Vietnam”.

Huong Giang