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Recognition of religion or belief in Zambia
According to the standards set out in the SRR, conditions for RoRB in the Republic of Zambia are classified restrictive.
Overview:
State religion is Christianity.
Recognition and registration are differentiated in Zambia but not in a way that is preferable to recognitionist thought; a system of partial recognition is in effect whereby even if a belief system, denomination or religious organisation reaches successful registration, this does not equate to the existential recognition bestowed to Christianity through the constitution.
State-approved mother bodies or umbrella organisations control religious registration and religious activity as belonging to one of these umbrella bodies is contingent on successful registration; this means that a group cannot register in Zambia if it is affiliated with a belief system not represented by one of the 14 mother bodies; this has come to detrimentally effect members of NRMs.
Therefore, registration of a group that does not affiliate with any of the mother bodies means that its preregistration is marred with attempting to establish a new mother body to which it may affiliate, a procedure given no guidance in law as to how to complete.
Positive elements:
Nil.
Recommendations:
Dismantlement of the present apparatus of laws restricting the registration of religious groups.
Establish a recognition agency to manage the recognition system in a capacity independent of government; this in order for the country to qualify for being dynamic.
The “mother body” structure can remain in place but clear and fair procedures must be put in place for alternative belief systems to establish their own mother bodies.
RoRB Topic | RoRB Compliance | RoRB Classification | Title | Country or territory |
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