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TheConstitution of Panama provides for freedom ofreligion.[1]
A survey in 2020 showed that 72.31% of the population wereCatholic, 9.85% wereProtestant, 8.87% were otherChristian, 5.5% followed another religion and 4.36% had no religious beliefs.[2]
In 2023, the country was scored 4 out of 4 for religious freedom.[3]
This article in informed by the US State Dept report of 2008. Later reports are available.[4]
The Government does not collect statistics on religious affiliation, but various sources estimate that 75 to 85 percent of the population identifies itself asRoman Catholic and 15 to 25 percent asevangelical Christian. Smaller religious groups includethe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) with an estimated 42,000 members,Seventh-day Adventists,Jehovah's Witnesses,Episcopalians with between 7,000 and 10,000 members,Jewish andMuslim communities with approximately 10,000 members each. The first mosque was built by theAhmadiyya Muslim movement, in 1930.[5] There are small numbers ofHindus,Buddhists,Rastafarians, and other Christians. LocalBaháʼís maintain one of the world's seven Baháʼí Houses of Worship. Indigenous religions include Ibeorgun (amongGuna) andMama Tata (amongNgobe).[6]
The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, provided that "Christian morality and public order" are respected, and other laws and policies contributed to the generally free practice of religion. The law at all levels protects this right in full against abuse, either by governmental or private actors.[6]
Catholicism enjoys certain state-sanctioned advantages over other faiths. The Constitution recognizes Catholicism as "the religion of the majority" of citizens but does not designate it as the officialstate religion.[6]
The Government observesGood Friday andChristmas Day as national holidays.[6]
The Constitution provides that religious associations have "juridical capacity" and are free to manage and administer their property within the limits prescribed by law, the same as other "juridical persons." The Ministry of Government and Justice grants "juridical personality" through a relatively simple and transparent process. Juridical personality allows a religious group to apply for all tax benefits available tononprofit organizations. There were no reported cases of religious organizations being denied juridical personality or the associated tax benefits.[6]
Most foreign religious workers are granted temporary 3-monthmissionary workervisas. A 12-month extension customarily is granted but could take several months. Foreign missionaries who intend to remain longer than 15 months must repeat the entire application process. Such additional extensions usually are granted. Catholic priests andnuns andrabbis are eligible for a special 5-year visa.[6]
The Constitution dictates that Catholicism be taught in public schools; however, parents have the right to exempt their children from religious instruction. The numerical predominance of Catholicism and the consideration given to it in the Constitution generally have not prejudiced other religious groups.[6]
The Government generally respects religious freedom in practice.[6]
The Constitution limits public offices that religious leaders may hold to those related to social assistance, education, and scientific research.[6]
In 2007, the US government received no reports of religious prisoners ordetainees in the country or reports of forcedreligious conversion.[6]
In 2007, the US government received no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.[6]
Christian groups, including the Catholic, Episcopal,Methodist,Lutheran, Baptist,Salvation Army, andEastern Orthodox churches, have participated in a successfulecumenical movement directed by the nongovernmental Panamanian Ecumenical Committee. Committee members have also participated in an interreligious committee that includes Jewish Reform, Islamic, Buddhist, Baháʼí, Hindu, and Ibeorgun religious groups. The committee has sponsored conferences to discuss matters of religious belief and practice. The committee is a member of the Panamanian Civil Society Assembly, an umbrella group of civic organizations that conducts informal governmental oversight.[6]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.