(VOVWORLD) - Ia Bang commune in Gia Lai province, is home to three religions –Buddhism, Catholicism, and Protestantism – with Catholicism having the most followers. The parishioners steadfastly adhere to the motto “Living the gospel, serving Christ, and serving the nation”.
 A place for religious practice in Ia Bang commune (Photo: Ngoc Anh)
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Ia Bang commune has more than 1,600 households with some 6,500 people who belong to the Kinh, Muong, Thai, Mong, Jrai, and Bana ethnic groups. The locals earn their living by growing coffee, rice, and rubber trees.
The living conditions of religious followers are fundamentally good and they abide by all Party and State guidelines, policies, and laws, said Kpa Hal, Vice Chairman of the communal People's Committee.
“The Catholics attend mass on Sunday mornings, follow the motto ‘Living the gospel, serving the nation,’ and preserve their ethnic culture. They participate enthusiastically in local movements like gong festivals and art performances. We always make it easy for religious followers to practice their religion,” he told VOV.
Pastor Bartholomew Nguyen Dinh Phuoc, the priest of Phu My Parish, said the communal parish has two chapels and a church. We try to teach followers both doctrine and State laws. We practice our religion comfortably.”
During each religious session the parishioners sing hymns together, listen to the priest preach the Bible, and express their love and care for each other.
Kpa Chuyen, a female Jrai student, said, “There are several religions in this area. I’m a Catholic. The school makes it easy for us to participate in religious activities. The priest teaches us to live in harmony with others, to help the elderly, to obey our parents, and to love our friends. We must get along, respect, and bring joy to each other.”
 A religious practice session in Ia Bang. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)
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The Ia Bang communal People's Committee supports economic development in ethnic minority areas by providing every poor household a breeding cow, giving each poor household 1,700 USD to build a house, and organizing job introduction sessions.
According to Ro Lan Thik, a Jrai resident of Ia Bang, this has made the villagers more trusting of the government. The local government pays attention to and helps parishioners and religious groups, he added.
“Each year, at Easter, Christmas, and New Year, the local administration visits us, gives us gifts, and encourages us to comply with state laws. The local government has taught us to grow rice and other agricultural products, and preserve social security and order,” said Thik.
Religious followers in Ia Bang are united. Dignitaries set an example for others, lead communications, and encourage people to be responsible, fulfill their duties as citizens, love each other, and build a new-style rural area.