Article 54 of the 1972 Constitution of the Korean People’s Democratic Republic states that “Citizens have religious freedom and the freedom of anti-religious propaganda.” With the advent of communism after World War II the communist regime basically squelched all religious activity. Religious activities continue to be suppressed although the government maintains a few officially sponsored religious organizations in order to maintain the appearance of religious freedom. Into the early 1980’s, visitors to North Korea were told that there are no churches. Since 1988, two Protestant churches and one Catholic church have been opened in Pyongyang. In addition, the government has allowed the formation of several government sponsored religious organizations which act as go-betweens with foreign religious and international aid organizations.
International Christian Concern report on North Korea
NORTH KOREA: Mystery of the last 'Hermit Kingdom' WorldWide Religious News 2/25/04
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