The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom.
There is no state religion, but the preamble to the constitution acknowledges “the supremacy of God.” The governor general appoints one of the 13 members of the Senate in accordance with the advice of the Council of Churches and the Evangelical Association of Churches. The membership of these organizations includes the Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches, the Salvation Army, the Chinese Christian Mission, the Chinese Christian Church, and the Seventh-day Adventists.
Under the constitution, freedom of religion is part of broader protections for freedom of conscience. The constitution provides that no one can be compelled to take an oath contrary to one’s religion or belief. The constitution reserves the government’s right to intervene in religious matters “for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons,” including the right to observe and practice any religion “without the unsolicited intervention of members of any other religion.” An unenforced law limits speech that is “blasphemous or indecent.” Discrimination on religious grounds is illegal.
Religious groups must register with the official Companies Registry after paying a fee. Property taxes are not levied against churches and other places of worship, but other church-owned buildings occupied on a regular basis, such as the pastor’s or priest’s residence, are not exempt.
Foreign religious workers may enter the country and proselytize, but they must register and purchase a religious worker’s permit for a modest annual fee.
The constitution stipulates that religious groups may establish “places of education” and states that “no such community shall be prevented from providing religious instruction for persons of that community.”
By law, the educational system maintains a strong religious curriculum. The curriculum ties “spirituality” to social studies courses. Students in both public and church-run schools from kindergarten through sixth grade must receive one class period per week of religious instruction, and some schools offer religion classes daily. Most primary and elementary schools, high schools, and colleges are church-affiliated. Catholic holy days are routinely observed as school holidays.
The constitution prohibits any educational institution from compelling a child to receive religious instruction or attend any religious ceremony or observance.
The constitution also stipulates that no one shall be required to receive religious instruction or attend services without his or her consent while serving in the armed forces or while detained in prison. The defense force retains a Christian chaplain but does not restrict the practice of other religions.
The government observes the following religious holidays as national holidays: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Monday, and Christmas.