Cambodia Holds Meeting with Monks Nationwide, Ministry of Cults and Religion Directs Social Contribution and Adherence to Government Policy

The Ministry of Cults and Religion of Cambodia convened a consultation meeting with monks and temple administrators from across the country in Phnom Penh on September 15, 2026. Presided over by His Excellency Chai Borin, Minister of Cults and Religion, the event brought together approximately 500 participants, including senior monks and abbots. Mr. Tep Kongka, Director of the Department of Cults and Religion of Phnom Penh, reported on the significant progress of Buddhism in the capital. He highlighted that monks have been diligently observing the Uposatha (observance days) twice a month in accordance with the guidelines set by the Ministry and the two Sangha organizations. Furthermore, monks, abbots, and temple committees have actively participated in humanitarian efforts, providing substantial donations of food, supplies, and financial aid to soldiers, national police, and displaced persons. During the event, His Excellency the Minister conveyed greetings from Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, Samdech Kittiprittbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen, and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and his wife, Madam Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet. He emphasized that the Prime Minister and his wife consistently care for the well-being of monks and Buddhist followers. His Excellency the Minister underscored the importance of monks fulfilling their roles and responsibilities according to their respective ranks. He stressed the adherence to the three higher trainings: Adhisīlasikkhā (training in virtue), Adhicittasikkhā (training in concentration), and Adhipaññāsikkhā (training in wisdom). He also urged them to lead and facilitate temple management to foster harmony and concord among monks and between monks and laypeople. His Excellency the Minister further encouraged the monks, abbots, and temple committees, along with all lay Buddhists, to actively implement the "Pentagonal Strategy, Phase 1" of the government of the 7th legislature of the National Assembly, under the pragmatic leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet. He noted that this strategy has facilitated the day-to-day progress of Buddhism. He acknowledged Buddhism's significant contributions to social infrastructure development, including bridges, roads, temples, schools, hospitals, the Red Cross, social work, humanitarian activities, and the moral and ethical education of students and the public. Concurrently, His Excellency the Minister called for the active and effective implementation of the Ministry of Cults and Religion's "3S" approach (Cleanliness, Serenity, Sustainability) to build temples into orderly, clean, and respectable centers for moral and cultural education and community development. He urged participation in the government's "Safe Village, Commune, and District" policy, guiding Buddhists to respect traffic laws, abstain from drugs, gambling of all kinds, and online scams, thereby contributing to a secure, safe, and orderly Cambodian society. He also warned against using temples and religious sites for inappropriate activities that could damage the prestige of Buddhism and the faith of followers, and instructed them to increase monitoring and cooperation with local authorities to preemptively prevent any negative activities within temple grounds. In anticipation of the upcoming Pchum Ben festival, His Excellency the Minister instructed all monks, abbots, and the Department of Cults and Religion of Phnom Penh to cooperate closely with all levels of authorities to facilitate the safe participation of devotees in religious ceremonies. He urged them to seize this opportunity to preach and guide devotees to uphold morality and virtues, thereby serving as good Buddhists and exemplary citizens. Before concluding, His Excellency Chai Borin highly praised the efforts of the monks and abbots in Phnom Penh for their active participation in preserving Buddhist values and contributing to national social development. He offered blessings of long life, beauty, health, and strength to all attendees. Source: CPP Cambodia