Faith-based grassroots model fosters harmony, religious freedom, and public security in Gia Lai

Ngoc Anh
Chia sẻ

(VOVWORLD) - First launched in 2022 in Phu Thien district, Gia Lai province, the “Returning to faith, preserving village peace” model has since been expanded to Chu Se, Ia Grai, and Dak Doa districts. It has gained strong community support and produced tangible results.

Faith-based grassroots model fosters harmony, religious freedom, and public security in Gia Lai   - ảnh 1Representatives of local authorities visit the family of a local (in white polo). (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

The model is built on the collaboration of Party members and local officials, respected individuals, religious dignitaries, and people who have returned to mainstream religious practices with progressive thinking.

The initiative addresses the people's spiritual needs while preventing hostile forces from misusing religion to undermine the administration.

Rah Lan Chung, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said that the model aims to mobilize people and the political system to persuade those who were misled into following the Fulro separatist movement or the illegal Dega Protestantism to return to mainstream religious practices.

“The program is a bridge between the people and the government, embodying the Party and State’s point of view and commitment to religious equality and the well-being of ethnic minorities,” said Chung.

Faith-based grassroots model fosters harmony, religious freedom, and public security in Gia Lai   - ảnh 2Representatives of the public security force meet respected local individuals. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

The model uses multiple outreach methods, including one-on-one engagement, community meetings, and social media campaigns. It works closely with religious dignitaries and respected local individuals to reach out to those previously involved with the Dega Protestant sect, a subversive reactionary organization, and help them reintegrate into mainstream faith communities.

Some of these individuals have become active members of the national public security movement. One is Kpa Pih of Chu Se district.

“I used to be a Dega Protestant, but I realized it was wrong. After I returned, local officials encouraged me and supported me through my reintegration,” Kpa Pih recalled.

Another example is Siu Un of Phu Thien district. Once a regional leader of the anti-government group Fulro and an instigator of the 2001 Ayun Pa uprising, which demanded the formation of a “Dega State”, Siu Un has since renounced his past.

He says he realized that the freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam, including in the Jrai ethnic community, is always respected and guaranteed by the Party and State.

“Incited by foreign hostile forces, I used to distribute leaflets that called for an independent Dega state. I deeply regret being manipulated,” said Siu Un, adding, “Since 2015, I’ve returned to the pure faith and the religion which has been recognized by the Party and State. I’ve received support to freely practice my religion.”

Siu Un said he hopes others in Gia Lai and Dak Lak province will return to genuine religious life.

In addition to promoting good citizenship and religious values, the model also helps locals stabilize their lives and earn a living.

Truong Thi Thanh Hoa, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union of Ia Pet commune in Dak Doa district, said, “We help women whose husbands or other family members joined the Dega Protestant sect by providing them with a livelihood – raising breeding pigs, for example. This empowers them economically and indirectly influences the rest of their family.”

Faith-based grassroots model fosters harmony, religious freedom, and public security in Gia Lai   - ảnh 3A charity house is presented to the a local family. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Gia Lai’s model stands out from other parts of the Central Highlands. 70 outreach teams have been established and have helped 800 individuals return from Dega Protestantism to officially-recognized religious organizations.

Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Son, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai provincial police, said, “The model has received strong public support. It restores religious faith and guides people back to legitimate religious institutions.”

The “Returning to faith, preserving village peace” initiative has helped many who strayed from the path find their way back, and will likely be expanded across Gia Lai province.

 

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