Dominica: Information on freedom of religion, including the relative percentage of the population that is Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist and on whether there is mistreatment of Catholics by Seventh Day Adventists
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1996 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | DMA25334.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Dominica: Information on freedom of religion, including the relative percentage of the population that is Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist and on whether there is mistreatment of Catholics by Seventh Day Adventists, 1 November 1996, DMA25334.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac915a.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The following information was provided in a 22 November 1996 telephone interview with a representative of the Diocese of Roseau, the administrative body of the Catholic Church in Dominica.
The source stated that freedom of religion is enjoyed in Dominica and there is no widespread persecution, discrimination or harassment on the basis of religion in Dominica.
Catholics represent roughly 75 per cent of the population of Dominica. The source was unaware of the exact numbers of Seventh Day Adventists, but stated that they are a small and well-established religious minority and that they have operated without interference for thirty years in Dominica.
The source was unaware of any conflicts between Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists in Dominica, but was of the opinion that any conflicts that may have arisen between members of these two groups would have been personal and circumstantial. However, the source did note that there is a shortage of space for Catholic students in the schools, and that there have been situations where Catholics attending Seventh Day Adventists schools have been encouraged to convert.
Please find attached an excerpt on Dominica from the 1994 CIA World FactBook which states that Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists are 77 per cent and 3 per cent of the population, respectively.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
CIA World FactBook. 1994. "Dominica." [Internet] , [Internet] [Accessed 25 October 1996]
The Diocese of Roseau, Roseau, Dominica. 22 November 1996. Telephone interview with representative.
Attachment
CIA World FactBook. 1994. "Dominica." [Internet] , [Internet] [Accessed 25 October 1996]
