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.