Religious and spiritual life in Lam Dong: Connection, harmony and development

The Stone Church of Da Tong, located in the heart of Da Tong commune, Dam Rong district, Lam Dong province, serves as the main place of worship for more than 10,000 parishioners. (Photo: Xuan Sơn)

With over 65% of the population practicing a religion - including Catholicism, Buddhism, Protestantism, Caodaism, and other spiritual traditions - religious life in Lam Dong plays not only a vital role in socio-economic development and cultural preservation but also in strengthening national unity.

A vivid example of the deep connection between faith and community life is the story of Ms. Cil Dina from Da Tong Commune, Dam Rong District. Having been closely tied to the church and her parish for 47 years, she currently serves as the choir leader of Da Tong parish, coordinating weekly mass activities. For Ms. Cil Dina, singing hymns in praise of God is a source of profound happiness and spiritual fulfillment.

Ms. Cil Dina has been devoted to the church and the Da Tong parish for 47 years. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Da Tong parish, where Ms. Cil Dina has devoted herself, has transformed from a modest place of worship into a prominent religious tourism destination, thanks to the support of local authorities and the broader community. Its iconic Stone Church now attracts many visitors, especially during major religious celebrations like Easter and Christmas. On such occasions, the local government mobilizes traffic police to manage transportation and ensure safety and convenience for worshippers.

Beyond spiritual activities, parishes in Lam Dong - particularly those in ethnic minority areas - serve as community hubs for sharing agricultural knowledge and supporting livelihoods. Priests and pastors are not only spiritual guides but also motivators of economic development, encouraging parishioners to improve their quality of life. According to Ms. Cil Dina, in addition to teaching morality and faith, the clergy often guide people in better farming practices, helping them stabilize their lives and rise out of poverty.

Parishes in Lam Dong - especially those in ethnic minority areas - also serve as places for sharing farming experience and supporting livelihoods. (Photo: Xuan Son)

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Lam Dong Province, the state management of religious affairs in the province has been implemented in a methodical, flexible and practical manner, yielding many notable results.

In recent years, the Provincial People’s Committee has approved the establishment of 38 affiliated religious organizations, granted land-use rights for religious purposes in 26 cases, approved land allocation plans in 10 cases and permitted changes of headquarters for 4 affiliated religious organizations. Additionally, 21 locations have been officially registered as centralized religious activity venues.

Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Lam Dong Province Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao affirmed that, the state management of religious affairs in the province has been implemented in a methodical, flexible and practical manner, yielding many notable results. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Alongside regulatory efforts, the province has maintained strong engagement and outreach with religious leaders and communities. Every year, on occasions such as Lunar New Year, Easter and Christmas (for Catholics and Protestants); Vesak and Vu Lan (for Buddhists); and the Foundation Day (for Caodaism), delegations from the Provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and the Fatherland Front visit to offer greetings and extend their best wishes to religious dignitaries and followers.

Especially, Lam Dong has been actively promoting religious diplomacy. On February 12, the province hosted a meeting between the European Union Political Counsellors Delegation and representatives of local religious dignitaries and leaders to exchange and learn about the religious and spiritual life of the people. All organizations and individuals visiting or engaging in religious activities in the province are guided and supported by the authorities, with favorable conditions ensured in accordance with the law.

This is a clear affirmation that Vietnam consistently respects the right to freedom of belief and religion. Foreign delegations have highly appreciated the support provided by Lam Dong’s Party committees and authorities for religious activities. Foreign religious dignitaries have also expressed positive impressions of Vietnam’s people and landscape, as well as the country’s commitment to religious freedom.

Religious organizations in Lam Dong not only operate stably but also actively engage in social movements such as healthcare, caring for children with disabilities, supporting the poor, and protecting the environment. Therefore, provincial authorities frequently integrate religious affairs into patriotic emulation campaigns, such as “All people unite to build new-style rural areas and civilized cities” and the movement “Solidarity and creativity to improve productivity, quality, efficiency and international integration.” These efforts aim to harness the creativity and contributions of religious communities to promote socio-economic development, maintain public order and security, and strengthen the political system across the province.

Party General Secretary To Lam highlights new momentum for economic development WVR/VNA - Party General Secretary To Lam has written an article highlighting the private economic sector as new momentum for economic development in Vietnam. The ...

Pathet Lao newspaper, KPL highlight President Ho Chi Minh’s life, career WVR/VNA - On May 15, Pathet Lao newspaper and an online publication of the Lao News Agency (KPL) ran an editorial highlighting the life and ...

Exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh Exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh showcases nearly 300 photographs, artefacts honouring President Ho Chi Minh.

General Secretary To Lam urges Commission for Internal Affairs to uphold stability for national development On May 22, Party General Secretary To Lam had a working session with the Party Central Committee's Commission for Internal Affairs, during which he emphasised ...

General Secretary To Lam affirms full support for new Quang Ngai to make development breakthrough WVR/VNA - Party General Secretary To Lam has affirmed that the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, and the Government firmly believe in and will ...