The Bolivian Constitution of 1967 "recognizes and upholds the Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion." (Article 3). At the same time, it guarantees the public exercise of "any other worship." The Constitution also guarantees freedom of religious instruction, and equal rights under the law regardless of religion. Clergy and ministers of any religious faith are forbidden from being president or vice-president of Bolivia, and may not run for the office of national representative unless they resign their position at least 60 days before the election. Relations between the government and the Catholic Church are governed by concordats and agreements between the Bolivian State and the Holy See.
The 1996 US State Department Report on Human Rights states that, although Catholicism is the official religion of the country, citizens are free to practice the religion of their choice. All missionary groups must register with the Foreign Ministry as non-governmental organizations. According to the State Department Report, no missionary groups have been denied registration. There are about 400 religious groups, mostly Protestant, active in Bolivia.
While the Unification Church has been permitted to engage in religious activity within Bolivia, there has been some restriction in teaching the Divine Principle and soliciting funds. The Church has been unable to publish or distribute literature. In addition, missionaries and religious workers from foreign countries have had difficulties with immigration authorities. The government of Bolivia has established several new positions, including Secretary of Cults, to deal with new religious movements. Unification Church officials have been plagued with intrusive requests for information by these officials.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Bolivia
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