cannot be compelled to take any oath which is contrary to his religion or
belief.
242.
The Constitution in its Preamble declares Zambia a Christian nation while
upholding the right of every person to enjoy that person’s freedom of
conscience or religion.
Although the dominant religion in Zambia is
Christianity, the Preamble has no legal effect and by no means does it
imply that Christianity is a State religion.
243.
The State party tolerates the practice of other major religions such as
Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bahai Faith.
Members of these
religions are free to exercise their freedom of worship. The Commission
may wish to note that these religious institutions have established their
own places of worship throughout the country and are also free to
establish
educational
institutions
such
as
schools,
colleges
and
universities.
244.
In Zambia people are free to attend educational institutions of their
choice, including those not of their faith.
245.
All religions in Zambia have various publications which are accessed
through their places of worship, libraries and other distribution points. For
example, Jehovas Witnesses produce their publications at a place called
Bethel city and use the same place to distribute the same. The Islamic
Society has libraries where materials on Islam can be accessed.
The
Bahai Faith has a Secondary school where their faith is propagated. The
Catholic Church produces publications on its faith and teachings, which
are distributed at catholic bookshops around the country.
All these
religions exist side by side and in harmony with one another. Zambia has
never experienced religious intolerance.
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