The constitution permits religious groups to establish private schools, provided no student is denied admission based on creed. Once registered as a welfare organization, a religious group may seek to obtain communal land at a reduced rate, which is at the discretion of traditional authorities or town councils, based on whether they believe the organization’s use of the land will benefit the community. A welfare organization may apply to the Department of Inland Revenue to receive tax-exempt status. There is no difference in the application process between religious and non-religious groups. If the group meets the objectives of a welfare organization, the MoHSS will issue a letter of certification. Under the MoHSS regulations, a welfare organization must have a minimum of seven members, an auditor, and a constitution. Other faith-based organizations may also register as welfare organizations with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS). Both religious groups registered as nonprofit organizations and religious groups formed as voluntary associations are exempt from paying taxes. Under the law, a nonprofit organization must have a minimum of seven members and two directors, an auditor, and a registered address in the country, and must comply with all regulations of domestic corporate law. Religious groups may also register as nonprofit organizations (an “association without gain”) with the Ministry of Trade and Industry. A voluntary association is required to have a written constitution stating its purpose, be membership-based, be a “legal person,” and have a plan for disposing of its assets if it ceases operation. The law allows recognition of any religious group as a voluntary association, without the need to register with the government.
which are necessary in a democratic society and are required in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of Namibia, national security, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.” These rights may be subject to “reasonable restrictions. The constitution specifies the country is a secular state, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides for freedom of thought, conscience, and belief, as well as the right to enjoy, practice, profess, maintain, and promote any religion. Muslims are mostly Sunni and are predominantly immigrants from elsewhere in Africa, South Asia, or recent converts.
Many members of the Himba and San ethnic groups combine indigenous religious beliefs with Christianity. Muslims, Bahais, Jews, Buddhists, atheists, and other non-Christians together constitute approximately 3 percent of the population and reside primarily in urban areas. The number of Pentecostal churches is growing, primarily in the northern Zambezi region.Ī number of Zionist churches combine Christianity and traditional African beliefs. Other denominations, including Anglican, various Reform denominations, Adventist, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, evangelical, charismatic, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), make up the remaining 27 percent of the population that is Christian. According to church statistics and the government’s 2013 Demographic and Health Survey, approximately 50 percent identify as Lutheran and 20 percent as Catholic.
According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, approximately 97 percent of the population identifies as Christian. government estimates the total population at 2.2 million (July 2015 estimate).