Religion in the Central African Republic

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A Christian church in the Central African Republic.

Christianity is the largest religion in Central African Republic, with Catholicism being the largest branch. 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 42.4 percent of the population are catholic; another 26.6 percent are protestant. 8.9 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.^{[citation needed]} 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[]

• Demographics of the Central African Republic
• Central African Republic conflict – A sectarian civil conflict
• Islam in the Central African Republic
• Roman Catholicism in the Central African Republic

References[]