The decision was announced on the second day of the first Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha (HCMC BS), for the 2026-2031 term. The event took place on the morning of 5/4 at Viet Nam Quoc Tu in Hoa Hung ward. Attended by approximately 600 delegates, this congress is a significant event for the city's Buddhist community following the merger of its executive boards.

Most Venerable Thich Le Trang speaks at the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha Congress, morning of 5/4. Photo: An Phuong

Most Venerable Thich Le Trang, born Le Van Gioi, is 68 years old and was born in Dong Thap. He was ordained at 15. He is recognized as a reputable and diligent spiritual leader in his study and management of Buddhist affairs. Previously, he served as the head of the HCMC BS Executive Board for the 2022-2027 term and continues in this role after the organization's restructuring and merger. He also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

The HCMC BS Executive Board for the 2026-2031 term comprises 105 members, including 35 standing members, 60 commissioners, and 10 alternates. The Congress also revered 19 members to the Council of Elders and 4 members to the Advisory Board of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha.

Speaking at the congress, Most Venerable Grand Master Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, reflected on over 40 years of development of Buddhism in Ho Chi Minh City across various fields. The Supreme Patriarch expressed his wish for monks, nuns, and Buddhist devotees to continue upholding traditions and actively contributing to the nation and the advancement of Buddhism, honoring the efforts of previous generations.

Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fatherland Front Committee, expressed confidence that the new Executive Board will continue to promote unity, uphold discipline, enhance operational efficiency, and serve as a bridge between the Sangha and the government, thereby strengthening the great national unity bloc. He affirmed that the city will create favorable conditions for religious activities to proceed according to regulations, contributing to a stable and healthy spiritual environment.

The Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha Executive Board was established on 4/6/1982. To date, it has held 10 congresses and been led by four generations of leaders: Most Venerable Grand Masters Thich Tri Tinh, Thich Thien Hao, Thich Tri Quang, and Most Venerable Thich Le Trang. As of 1/7/2025, Ho Chi Minh City has 11,985 monks and nuns and 2,316 pagodas and temples, the largest number in the country.

Annually, the Executive Board makes significant contributions to the city's "For the Poor Fund" and "For the Homeland's Sea and Islands – For the Frontline of the Fatherland" funds. Through the Social Charity Board and other specialized boards, monks, nuns, and Buddhist devotees have implemented numerous social welfare and charity programs, totaling over 4,117 billion VND.

Le Tuyet