President Sang meets Cao Dai

HA NOI — President Truong Tan Sang hosted a reception yesterday for Cao Dai dignitaries on the occasion of New Year 2012.

Cardinal Tran Duc Tang and other Cao Dai dignitaries thanked the Party and State for creating favourable conditions for Cao Dai followers to practise their faith. They also briefed their host on the achievements Caodaism has made in recent years.

In the tradition of patriotism, many Cao Dai believers joined the resistance wars against foreign invaders. Nearly 5,000 laid down their lives and 267 women of the Cao Dai sects were awarded the title "Vietnamese Heroic Mother".

Cao Dai now has nearly three million followers, 15,000 dignitaries and over 1,000 places of worship. Believers always promote religious unity, abide by State laws and policies and participate in charitable and social activities.

Wishing Cao Dai dignitaries and followers best wishes in the new year, President Sang praised their contributions to national construction and defence, and expressed his hope that the dignitaries would continue to encourage followers to boost unity among religions and actively join in social activities. — VNS