Coinciding with the historic International Sangha Forum (ISF) in Bodhgaya from 20-23 December 2023, most venerables Thich Tanh Thiet, President, and Thich Nhu Dien, 2nd President, of the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Europe issued a statement strongly condemning Chinese interference in the succession of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The statement further calls on the People’s Republic of China to stop interfering in Tibetan Buddhist affairs and respect the rights of the Tibetans to freedom of religion or belief.
Similarly, they urge the international community not to recognise the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama appointed by the PRC.
Venerable superior Thich Quang Dao of Khan Anh Pagoda and venerable Thich Hanh Tan will represent the congregation at the ISF.
The Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Europe is a network of over 50 pagodas in Europe.
