Angola is a secular state with complete separation of the state and religious institutions. The constitution provides
that all religions are to be respected, and the state affords churches and places and objects of worship protection
as long as they comply with the law. The constitution states that freedom of conscience and belief shall be inviolable
and that the nation shall recognize the equality and guarantee the practice of all forms of worship compatible
with "public order and the national interest."
In October of 1995 the government published an order prohibiting the practice of religious activity outside expressly
approved locations. The order appeared aimed at Protestant evangelical churches.
On March 2, 2004, the Angolan Parliament approved a draft law concerning freedom
of conscience and religion. According to the Angola Press Agency, the purpose of
the bill is to regulate "the practice of cult and to put and end to the
proliferation of new churches."
Religious organizations must be registered with the government. According to Paulo Tjipilicahis, the Minister of Justice, his department had officially recognized 83 churches or religious congregations by the year 2002. Another 880 others await legalization.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Angola
The Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief report on Angola
Parliament Passes Law On Freedom of Conscience 3/02/04
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