Religion in the Central African Republic

Religion in Central African Republic by the Association of Religion Data Archives (2015)

  Catholicism (42.4%)

  Protestantism (26.6%)

  Islam (18.9%)

  Traditional Religions (10.9%)

  No religion (1.0%)

  Other religions (0.2%)

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 10 percent of the population. The vast majority of Muslims are Malikite Sunni. It is believed that many of these followers incorporate traditional indigenous elements into their faith practices.

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. 18.9 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. 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