Hue City Buddhist Sangha Elects New Leadership

On September 18, the 9th Congress of the Hue City Buddhist Sangha (term 2026-2031) was held in Hue City, central Vietnam, with the participation of over 800 delegates. At the congress, Venerable Thich Hue Phuoc was elected as the new Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Hue City. This leadership change is seen as a significant development in the organizational management of Buddhism in Vietnam. Vietnam is a socialist republic, and religious organizations, including Buddhism, operate under state supervision. While the government guarantees freedom of religion, it also oversees religious activities to ensure they do not disrupt national unity or social order. The Buddhist Sangha has played an important role in Vietnamese society for many years, serving as one of the spiritual pillars for the people. The outcome of this election may influence the direction of Buddhist policies in Hue City and Vietnam as a whole, as well as the relationship between the Sangha and the state. Hue City is known as an ancient capital and is one of Vietnam's foremost Buddhist centers, boasting numerous temples and historical structures. Buddhist events held in the city attract many pilgrims and tourists from both within Vietnam and abroad. In the past, grand ceremonies such as Buddha's Birthday (8th day of the 4th lunar month), memorial services for traffic accident victims, and the Quan The Am festival have been celebrated. These events not only deepen the faith of Vietnamese Buddhists but also hold significance as cultural heritage. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha also emphasizes contributions to nation-building and social welfare, playing a role in national integration and fostering patriotism. Attention will be focused on how these activities will unfold under the new leadership.