Religion in the Central African Republic

Religion in Central African Republic (2016)[1]

  Protestantism (51%)
  Catholicism (29%)
  Islam (10%)
  Other (10%)
A Christian church in the Central African Republic.

According to 2010 estimates, about 90 percent of the population of the Central African Republic are Christian. Islam is practiced by 9 percent of the population.[2][3] The vast majority of Muslims are Malikite Sunni. It is believed that many of these followers incorporate traditional indigenous elements into their faith practices.[4]

Religious demography

Roman Catholic and Protestant missions are scattered throughout the territory. Islam is practised primarily in the north. About 51 percent of the population are Protestant; another 29 percent are Roman Catholic. 10 percent are Muslim. Missionary groups within the country include Lutherans, Baptists, Grace Brethren, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Religious freedom

The constitution (suspended since 2003) provides for freedom of religion while prohibiting certain forms of religious fundamentalism. This prohibition is generally considered to be directed toward Christian and Muslim fundamentalists. Christian holidays are celebrated as national holidays. All religious groups must be registered through the Ministry of Interior. The Unification Church has been banned since the mid-1980s. The practice of witchcraft is considered a criminal offense; however, prosecution is generally made only in conjunction with other criminal activity, such as murder.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "International Religious Freedom Report for 2016". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  2. ↑ "Table: Christian Population as Percentages of Total Population by Country". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  3. ↑ "Table: Muslim Poplation by Country". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  4. ↑ International Religious Freedom Report 2010 - Central African Republic
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