2014 Report on International Religious Freedom - Marshall Islands

Executive Summary

Religious freedom is protected by law and custom. Christianity remains the dominant religion. No laws or significant government practices, however, impinge on other religious groups in the practice of their religion.

There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom.

U.S. government officials discussed religious freedom with the government and met with all local religious group leaders and foreign missionaries.

Section I. Religious Demography

The U.S. government estimates the total population at 71,000 (July 2014 estimate). Major religious groups include the United Church of Christ (formerly Congregational), with 52 percent of the population; the Assemblies of God, 24 percent; the Roman Catholic Church, 9 percent; and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), 8 percent. Groups that together constitute less than 7 percent of the population include Bukot Non Jesus (also known as Assembly of God Part Two), Full Gospel, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Bahais, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Ahmadi Muslims.

Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom

Legal Framework

The constitution provides for freedom of thought, conscience, and belief, as well as for free exercise of religion and equal protection under the law, regardless of religious beliefs. There are no legislative restrictions on religious practices.

There are no requirements for the registration of religious groups.

There is no religious education in public schools and no opening or closing prayers during the school day. Most extracurricular school events, however, begin and end with an interdenominational Christian prayer.

Government Practices

Governmental functions, by custom, often began and ended with an ordained minister or other church official delivering a Christian prayer. Although there is no official state religion, Christianity is the dominant social and cultural influence.

The government subsidized religious schools based on enrollment and accreditation.

Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom

There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom.

Section IV. U.S. Government Policy

Embassy officials discussed religious freedom with the government and met with all local religious group leaders and foreign missionaries. These individuals were invited to all appropriate embassy functions.