Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met with representatives from six religious groups in Macau at Government Headquarters on Tuesday to exchange views on local religious affairs, social harmony, and stability, the Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS) said in a statement later that day.
According to the statement, Sam expressed gratitude for the long-term support of Macau’s religious groups for the work of the local government and their contributions to social harmony and stability.
Sam emphasised that, according to the Macau Basic Law, local residents enjoy the freedom of religious belief, and he underlined that the local government has always respected different faiths.
The chief executive noted that various religious groups have upheld the spirit of charity, inclusiveness and mutual respect, playing an important stabilising role in the social development process. He encouraged the groups to continue promoting positive energy among Macau residents.
According to the statement, Sam also pointed out that since 2021 several religious groups in Macau have cooperated in organising cultural and exchange activities to enhance interaction and deepen mutual understanding among different religions, reflecting the ideals of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
This is a significant characteristic of the religious community in Macau, which the local government strongly supports, the statement quoted Sam as saying.
The meeting was attended by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Wallis O Lam, the chief-of-office of Sam’s office Chan Kak, and representatives from Macau’s six religious groups – Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, and the Bahá’í Faith.
According to Article 34 of the Macau Basic Law, “Macau residents shall have freedom of religious belief and freedom to preach and to conduct and participate in religious activities in public”.
Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai (fifth from right), Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Wallis O Lam (fourth from right) and Sam’s chief of office Chan Kak (third from right) pose with representatives of Macau’s six religious groups at Government Headquarters on Tuesday. – Photo: GCS
