Ethiopia

Religious Freedom World Report

Prepared by the International Coalition for Religious Freedom

Ethiopia

The constitution provides for freedom of religion, including the right of conversion, and freedom of worship exists in practice.

The constitution states that Ethiopians are equal before the law, irrespective of nationality, sex, religion, occupation, social or other status. Ethiopians are guaranteed freedom of conscience and religion. The exercise of freedom of religion may not be carried out in a manner contrary to the interest of "the state and the revolution, pubic morality or the freedom of other citizens." State and religion are separate and law shall determine the legal status of religious institutions. Religious groups must register with the government each year but the registration process is not difficult. In addition, the government allots land to religious organizations for the building of houses of worship. the title to the land remains with the government and may be revoked. Schools, including religious schools, are not permitted to teach courses on religion, although they do teach courses on morals which sometimes have some religious content.

The national government seeks to maintain amicable relations with and among religious groups. However, within the society, tension between Protestant and Orthodox believers and Muslims and Christians arises. There have been some serious riots in which violence between Muslims and Christians have broken out (particularly January 2001 in Harar). Muslim mobs also destroyed several churches in early 2002, and the government destroyed one church in Agressa in 2002 after American attacks on Afghanistan.