2013 Report on International Religious Freedom - Grenada

Executive Summary

The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom.

There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.

The U.S. Charge d'Affaires and embassy staff regularly met with members of the country's religious communities and engaged in frequent public events involving various religious groups.

Section I. Religious Demography

The U.S. government estimates the total population at 110,000 (July 2013 estimate). According to the 2001 census, the last census for which religious affiliation data is available, 44 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 12 percent Anglican, 11 percent Pentecostal, and 11 percent Seventh-day Adventist. Religious groups whose adherents number at least 2 percent of the population include Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, members of the Church of God, and evangelical groups. Smaller groups include Jehovah's Witnesses, Brethren, Bahais, Hindus, Moravians, Muslims, Rastafarians, Mennonites, and members of the Salvation Army and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). There is a very small Jewish community, consisting almost exclusively of students and staff of St. George's University. Approximately 4 percent of individuals describe themselves as nonbelievers.

Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom

Legal/Policy Framework

The constitution and other laws and policies generally protect religious freedom.

Certain types of religious headdress are permissible in photographs for national identity documents provided the face is visible and not shadowed. The law does not prohibit spoken blasphemy, but the Criminal Code prohibits written blasphemous, vulgar language. Conviction for such an act carries up to two years of imprisonment, although this section of law is rarely, if ever, enforced.

The government funds public schools administered by "traditional" Christian denominations. Students at such schools are not obliged to attend religion classes.

To qualify for customs tax exemptions and other privileges, religious groups must register with the Home Affairs Department, which issues licenses for religious groups, buildings, and events. Applications are routinely granted.

Foreign missionaries require either a worker's permit or a waiver from the minister of labor. Foreign missionaries must demonstrate prior experience and have the sponsorship of a registered religious group.

Government Practices

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

Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom

There were no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.

The Conference of Churches in Grenada facilitated closer relations among various religious groups.

Section IV. U.S. Government Policy

The U.S. Charge d'Affaires and embassy staff met with religious groups to discuss religious freedom and other social issues. Embassy officials engaged in frequent public events with members of various religious groups.