2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Marshall Islands
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Publication Date | 10 August 2016 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, 2015 Report on International Religious Freedom - Marshall Islands, 10 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57add85315.html [accessed 23 October 2022] |
| 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. |
Executive Summary
Religious freedom is protected by law. The constitution provides for the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and belief and to the free exercise of religion.
There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom.
U.S. government officials discussed religious freedom with government officials and met with local religious group leaders and foreign missionaries.
Section I. Religious Demography
The U.S. government estimates the total population at 72,000 (July 2015 estimate). Major religious groups, according to the last census that covered religious affiliation (1999), include the United Church of Christ (formerly Congregational), with 54.8 percent of the population; the Assemblies of God, 25.8 percent; the Roman Catholic Church, 8.4 percent; Bukot nan Jesus (also known as Assembly of God Part Two) 2.8 percent; and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), 2.1 percent. Groups that together constitute less than 5 percent of the population include Full Gospel, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Bahais, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Ahmadi Muslims, Hindus, and atheists.
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 requirements for the registration of religious groups.
Government Practices
Governmental functions, by custom, often began and ended with an ordained minister or other church official delivering a Christian prayer. While there was no religious education in public schools, most extracurricular school events began and ended with an interdenominational Christian prayer.
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 many local religious group leaders and foreign missionaries. Topics of discussion included the government's posture toward religious groups.
The embassy also intervened with the Ministry of Health on behalf of an Islamic medical nongovernmental organization (NGO) to help ensure that it was given the same support as other religiously affiliated NGOs.
