The 1949 Constitution of Costa Rica declares that the "Apostolic Roman Catholic Church is that of the state, which contributes to its maintenance, without impeding the free exercise ... of other religion that is not opposed to universal morality or good custom." Using religious motives or beliefs for purposes of political propaganda is forbidden. the President must be a layman.
While Roman Catholicism is the state religion, people of all denominations are free to practice their religion and that foreign missionaries and clergy of all denominations work and proselytize freely.
While it is true that the majority of faiths are free to practice and to proselytize, the Unification Church has faced opposition from both the government and the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has stated that people who associate with the Unification Church will be excommunicated, and the government has declared the Unification Church to be a dangerous sect.
In spite of this opposition, Unification Church members are still free to hold meetings, to witness, to fundraise, and to teach. They do so however, in a very difficult environment. They are viewed as outsiders because they are non-Catholic. Japanese and other Asian members, in particular, are viewed in a prejudicial manner and are derogatorily referred to as "chinos" or "moonistas."
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Costa Rica
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