Difference between revisions of "State religion" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:State Religions.png|right|thumb|300px|Nations with state religions:
 
[[Image:State Religions.png|right|thumb|300px|Nations with state religions:
 
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A '''state religion''' (also called an '''official religion''', '''established church''' or '''state church''') is a [[religion|religious]] body or [[creed]] officially endorsed by the state. Practically, a state without a state religion is called a secular state. The term ''state church'' is associated with [[Christianity]], and is sometimes used to denote a specific national branch of Christianity. Closely related to state churches are what [[sociology|sociologists]] call ecclesiae, though the two are slightly different. State religions are examples of the official or government-sanctioned establishment of religion, as distinct from theocracy. It is also possible for a national church to become established without being under state control.
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A '''state religion''' (also called an '''official religion''', '''established church''' or '''state church''') is a [[religion|religious]] body or [[creed]] officially endorsed by the [[state]]. In some countries more than one religion or denomination has such standing. There are also a variety of ways such endorsement occurs. The term ''state church'' is associated with [[Christianity]], and is sometimes used to denote a specific national branch of Christianity such as the [[Greek Orthodox Church]] or the [[Church of England]]. State religions exist in some countries because the national identity has historically had a specific religious identity as an inseparable component. It is also possible for a [[national church]] to be established without being under state control as the [[Roman Catholic Church]] is in some countries. In countries where state religions exist, the majority of its residents are usually adherents. A population's allegiance towards the state religion is often strong enough to prevent them from joining another religious group. There is also a tendency for religious freedom to be curtailed to varying degrees where there is an established religion. A state without a state religion is called a secular state. The relationship between [[Church and State|church and state]] is complex and has a long history.
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The degree and nature of state backing for a denomination or creed designated as a state religion can vary. It can range from mere endorsement and financial support, with freedom for other faiths to practice, to prohibiting any competing religious body from operating and to persecuting the followers of other faiths. It all depends upon the political culture and the level of tolerance in that country. Some countries with official religions have laws that guarantee the [[freedom of worship]], full liberty of [[conscience]], and places of worship for all citizens; and implement those laws more than other countries that do not have an official or established state religion. Many sociologists now consider the effect of a state church as analogous to a chartered [[monopoly]] in religion.
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The lack of a [[separation of church and state|separation]] between religion and state means that religion may play an important role in the public life a country such as [[coronation]]s, [[investiture]]s, legislation, [[marriage]], [[education]] and [[government]]. What might otherwise be purely civil events may be given a religious context with all the spiritual legitimacy that implies. It also means that civil authorities may be involved in the governing of the institution including its [[doctrine]], structure and appointment of its leaders. Religious authority is very significant and civil authorities often want to control it.
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{{toc}}
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There have also been religious states where the ruler may be believed to be divine and the state has a sacred and absolute authority beyond which there was no appeal. It was to the state that a person belonged, it was state gave a person his or her identity, determined what was right or wrong and was the sole or at least highest legitimate object of a person's loyalty and devotion. The state would have its own rituals, symbols, mythical founder, belief system and personality cult associated with the ruler. Examples of such states were [[ancient Egypt]], the [[pagan]] [[Roman Empire]], [[fascism|Fascist]] [[Germany]] and the [[Soviet Union]].
  
 
==Historical Origins==
 
==Historical Origins==
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The concept of state religions was known in ancient times in the empires of [[Egypt]] and [[Sumer]], when every city state or people had its own god or gods. Many of the early Sumerian rulers were priests of their patron city god. Some of the earliest semi-mythological kings may have passed into the pantheon, like Dumuzid, and some later kings came to be viewed as divine soon after their reigns, like Sargon the Great of Akkad. One of the first rulers to be proclaimed a god during his actual reign was Gudea of Lagash, followed by some later kings of Ur, such as Shulgi. Often, the state religion was integral to the power base of the reigning government, such as in Egypt, where Pharaohs were often thought of as embodiments of the god Horus.  
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===Antiquity===
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State religions were known in ancient times in the empires of [[Egypt]] and [[Sumer]] and ancient Greece when every city state or people had its own god or gods. The religions had little ethical content and the main purpose of worship was to petition the gods to protect the city or the state and make it victorious over its enemies. There was often a powerful personality cult associated with the ruler. Sumerian kings came to be viewed as divine soon after their reigns, like [[Sargon]] the Great of Akkad. One of the first rulers to be proclaimed a god during his actual reign was [[Gudea of Lagash]], followed by some later kings of [[Ur]]. The state religion was integral to the power base of the reigning government, such as in [[ancient Egypt]], where [[Pharaoh]]s were often thought of as embodiments of the god [[Horus]].  
  
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In the [[Persian Empire]], [[Zoroastrianism]] was the state religion of the Sassanid dynasty which lasted until 651, when Persia was conquered by the forces of Islam. However, it persisted as the state religion of the independent state of Hyrcania until the 15th century.  
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In the [[Persian Empire]], [[Zoroastrianism]] was the state religion of the [[Sassanid dynasty]] which lasted until 651 C.E., when Persia was conquered by the armies of [[Islam]]. However, [[Zoroastrianism]] persisted as the state religion of the independent state of [[Hyrcania]] until the fifteenth century.
  
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The tiny kingdom of Adiabene in northern Mesopotamia converted to Judaism around 34 C.E.
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===China===
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In [[China]], the [[Han Dynasty]] (206 B.C.E. – 220 C.E.) made [[Confucianism]] the ''de facto'' state religion, establishing tests based on Confucian texts as an entrance requirement to government service. The Han emperors appreciated the social order that is central to Confucianism. Confucianism would continue to be the state religion until the [[Sui Dynasty]] (581-618 C.E.), when it was replaced by [[Mahayana Buddhism]]. Neo-Confucianism returned as the ''de facto'' state religion sometime in the tenth century. Note however, there is a debate over whether Confucianism (including Neo-Confucianism) is a religion or merely a system of [[ethics]].
  
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Many of the Greek city-states also had a 'god' or 'goddess' associated with that city. This would not be the 'only god' of the city, but the one that received special honors. In ancient Greece the city of [[Athens]] had [[Athena]], [[Sparta]] had [[Artemis]], [[Delos]] had [[Apollo]] and Artemis, and [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]] had [[Zeus]].
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===The Roman Empire===
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The State religion of the [[Roman Empire]] was Roman polytheism, centralized around the emperor. With the title ''Pontifex Maximus,'' the emperor was honored as a 'god' either posthumously or during his reign. Failure to worship the emperor as a god was at times punishable by death, as the Roman government sought to link [[emperor worship]] with loyalty to the Empire. Many Christians were [[persecution|persecuted]], tortured and killed because they refused to worship the emperor.  
  
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The rise of the [[Roman Empire]] centralized and consolidated the State religion system.  In Rome, the office of ''Pontifex Maximus'' came to be reserved for the emperor, who was often—declared a 'god' posthumously, or sometimes during his reign. Failure to worship the emperor as a god was at times punishable by death, as the Roman government sought to link emperor worship with loyalty to the Empire. Many Christians and Jews were subject to persecution, torture and death in the Roman Empire, because it was against their beliefs to worship the emperor.
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In 313 C.E., [[Constantine I]] and Licinius, the two ''Augusti,'' enacted the [[Edict of Milan]] allowing religious freedom to everyone within the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan stated that Christians could openly practice their religion unmolested and unrestricted and ensured that properties taken from Christians be returned to them unconditionally. Although the Edict of Milan allowed religious freedom throughout the empire, and did not abolish nor disestablish the Roman state cult, in practice it permitted official favor for Christianity, which Constantine intended to make the new state religion.  
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[[Image:Byzantinischer Mosaizist um 1000 002.jpg|thumb|225px|''Constantine the Great,'' mosaic in [[Hagia Sophia]], [[Constantinople]], c. 1000]]
  
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In 311 C.E., Emperor Galerius, on his deathbed, declared a religious indulgence to Christians throughout the Roman Empire, focusing on the ending of anti-Christian persecution. Constantine I and Licinius, the two ''Augusti'', by the Edict of Milan of 313, enacted a law allowing religious freedom to everyone within the Roman Empire. Furthermore, the Edict of Milan cited that Christians may openly practice their religion unmolested and unrestricted, and provided that properties taken from Christians be returned to them unconditionally. Although the Edict of Milan allowed religious freedom throughout the empire, it did not abolish nor disestablish the Roman state cult (Roman polytheistic paganism). The Edict of Milan was written in such a way as to implore the blessings of the deity.
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Seeking unity for his new state religion, Constantine summoned the [[First Council of Nicaea]] in 325 C.E. Disagreements between different Christian sects was causing social disturbances in the empire, and he wanted Christian leaders to come to some agreement about what they believed and if necessary to enforce that belief or expel those who disagreed. This set a significant precedent for subsequent state involvement and interference in the internal workings of the Christian Church.
  
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Constantine called up the [[First Council of Nicaea]] in 325 C.E., although he was not a baptised Christian until years later. Despite enjoying considerable popular support, Christianity was still not the official state religion in Rome, although it was in some neighboring states such as [[Armenia]] and Aksum.
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The Christian lifestyle was generally admired and Christians managed government offices with exceptional honesty and integrity. [[Catholic|Roman Catholic]] Christianity, as opposed to Arianism and [[Gnosticism]], was declared to be the state religion of the [[Roman Empire]] on February 27, 380 C.E. by the decree ''De Fide Catolica'' of Emperor [[Theodosius I]].<ref>"Theodosian Code XVI.i.2" (excerpt from Henry Bettenson, ed., ''Documents of the Christian Church.'' (London: Oxford University Press, 1943) at Paul Halsall.[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/theodcodeXVI.html] ''Medieval Sourcebook'': Banning of Other Religions. (June 1997) ''Fordham University'' Retrieved August 9, 2008</ref> This declaration was based on the expectation that as an official state religion it would bring unity and stability to the empire. Theodosius then proceeded to destroy pagan temples and built churches in their place.
  
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Roman Religion (Neoplatonic Hellenism) was restored for a time by [[Julian the Apostate]] from 361 to 363 C.E. Julian does not appear to have reinstated the persecutions of the earlier Roman emperors.
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===Eastern Orthodoxy===
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The first country to make Christianity the national religion was [[Armenia]]. It deliberately adopted a version of Christianity which was unorthodox so as to establish and maintain their national distinctiveness and independence. This pattern of a [[national church]] was common in most orthodox countries with many of them becoming the de facto state religion.  
  
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[[Catholic]] Christianity, as opposed to Arianism and [[Gnosticism]], was declared to be the state religion of the [[Roman Empire]] on February 27, 380 C.E. by the decree ''De Fide Catolica'' of Emperor [[Theodosius I]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Theodosian Code XVI.i.2 |url=http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/theodcodeXVI.html |work=Medieval Sourcebook: Banning of Other Religions |first=Paul |last=Halsall |year=1997 |month=June |publisher=Fordham University |accessdate= Retrieved August 9, 2008.}}</ref>
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Following on from the precedent established by Constantine I, it sometimes appeared in Eastern Christianity that the head of the state was also the head of the church and supreme judge in religious matters. This is called [[caesaropapism]] and was most frequently associated with the [[Byzantium|Byzantine Empire]]. In reality the relationship was more like an interdependence, or symphony, between the imperial and ecclesiastical institutions. Ideally it was a dynamic and moral relationship. In theory the emperor was neither doctrinally infallible nor invested with priestly authority and many times the emperor failed to get his way.  
  
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In China, the [[Han Dynasty]] (206 B.C.E. &ndash; 220 C.E.) advocated [[Confucianism]] as the ''de facto'' state religion, establishing tests based on Confucian texts as an entrance requirement into government service. The Han emperors appreciated the societal order which is a central concept of Confucianism. Confucianism would continue on as the state religion until the [[Sui Dynasty]] (581-618), when it was replaced by [[Buddhism]]. Neo-confucianism returned as the ''de facto'' state religion sometime in the 10th century. Note however, there is a debate over whether Confucianism (including Neo-confucianism) is a religion or purely a philosophical system.
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However, it was normal for the Emperor to act as the protector of the church and be involved in its administrative affairs. Constantine was called “the overseer of external” (as opposed to spiritual) church problems by [[Eusebius of Caesarea]]. Emperors chaired church councils, and their will was decisive in appointing of patriarchs and deciding the territory they would have authority over.
  
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==State church vs state religion==
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In [[Russia]] [[caesaropapism]] was more a reality. [[Ivan IV of Russia|Ivan the Dread]] would brook no opposition or criticism from the church and later [[Peter the Great]] abolished the [[patriarchate]] and in 1721 made the church a department of the state.
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There is also a difference between a "state church" and  "state religion." A "state church" is created by a monarch, as in the cases of the [[Anglican Church]], created by [[Henry VIII]] or the Church of Sweden, created by Gustav Vasa. An example of "state religion" is Argentina's acceptance of Catholicism as its religion. In the case of the former, the state has absolute control over the church, but in the case of the latter, in this example, the Vatican has control over the church.
 
  
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The degree and nature of state backing for denomination or creed designated as a state religion can vary. It can range from mere endorsement and financial support, with freedom for other faiths to practice, to prohibiting any competing religious body from operating and to persecuting the followers of other sects. In Europe, competition between Catholic and Protestant denominations for state sponsorship in the 16th century evolved the principle ''cuius regio eius religio'' ("states follow the religion of the ruler") embodied in the text of the [[treaty]] that marked the Peace of Augsburg, 1555. In [[England]] the monarch imposed Protestantism in 1533, with himself taking the place of the Pope, while in [[Scotland]] the [[Church of Scotland]] became the established Kirk in opposition to the religion of the ruler.  
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===The Protestant Reformation===
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The [[Protestant Reformation]] criticized the dogmas and corruption of the [[papacy]]. In [[Germany]] [[Martin Luther]] required the protection of his political ruler [[Frederick the Wise]]. He and other German princes supported Luther and adopted his reforms as it was a way that they could free themselves from the control of the papacy. In exchange for protection, Luther and the German Reformation thus ceded more temporal authority to the State leading to the possibility of less of a moral check on political power. This arrangement is known as [[Erastianism]]. Some historians thus blame Luther for the possibility of the eventual rise of [[Adolf Hitler]].
  
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In some cases, a state may have a set of state-sponsored religious denominations that it funds; such is the case in Alsace-Moselle in [[France]], following the pattern in [[Germany]].
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In [[England]] [[Henry VIII]] nationalized the Catholic Church in England creating a state church, the [[Church of England]] to suit his dynastic needs. The 1534 [[Act of Supremacy]] made Henry 'the only head in earth of the Church of England.' During the reign of his son [[Edward VI of England|Edward VI]] a more thoroughgoing Protestantization was imposed by royal rule including the first ''English Prayer Book.'' Under [[Elizabeth I]] the Church was effectively subordinate to the interests of the state. The monarch's title was also modified to 'supreme governor'. The 1593 Act of Uniformity made it a legal requirement for everyone to attend the established church on pain of banishment. Those attending an alternative service were regarded as disloyal and could be imprisoned or banished.
  
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In some communist states, notably the [[People's Republic of China]], the state sponsors religious organizations, and activities outside those state-sponsored religious organizations are met with various degrees of official disapproval. In these cases, state religions are widely seen as efforts by the state to prevent alternate sources of authority.  
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In reaction to this a [[Puritan]] movement developed within the church which wanted to return to the ecclesial life of the early church. This wing became more [[Separatist]] and later led to the emergence of the Independent and [[Congregationalist]] movements. This culminated in the [[English Revolution]] which shattered the relationship between church and state. Pluralism accompanied the Protectorate of [[Oliver Cromwell]]. The state though still controlled the church and replaced episcopal government with the presbyterian system. The [[Restoration]] saw the attempt to re-establish a single church to provide cement and stability for a deeply disunited and unsettled society. Several laws were passed to enforce attendance at the established church. From the eighteenth century these was gradually relaxed and repealed as it became clear that non-conformists were loyal.
  
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Sociologists refer to mainstream non-state religions as denominations. State religions tend to admit a larger variety of opinion within them than denominations. Denominations encountering major differences of opinion within themselves are likely to split; this option is not open for most state churches, so they tend to try to integrate differing opinions within themselves.  
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Puritans and other non-conformists who emigrated to America decided that there should be a [[Separation of Church and State in the United States|separation between church and state]].
  
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However, state churches have divided, with the dissidents losing the advantages of state support. The [[Church of Scotland]] has split several times in the past for doctrinal reasons, including the meaning and acceptability of state support. Attempts by the monarch to impose [[bishop]]s on the Kirk led to the splitting off of the non-established Scottish Episcopal Church. Its largest offshoots from a later disruption were the Free Church of Scotland and later the United Free Church of Scotland. These offshoots lost the established status of their parent, but since 1929 the (partially) reunited Church of Scotland has considered itself to be a "national church" rather than an established church, as it is entirely independent of state control in matters spiritual. Legally, it remains established.
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==The Present Situation in Europe==
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Despite a general consensus among political philosophers in favor of the religious neutrality of the liberal democratic state, nowhere in Europe is this principle fully realized. From Ireland to Russia, Norway to Malta, a bewildering array of patterns of church-state relations reflect different confessional traditions, contrasting histories and distinctive constitutional and administrative practices.<ref>John Madeley & Zsolt Enyedi, (eds.) ''Church and State in Contemporary Europe: the chimera of neutrality.'' (London: Frank Cass Publishers, 2003)</ref>
  
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Many sociologists now consider the effect of a state church as analogous to a chartered [[monopoly]] in religion.  
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===Great Britain===
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In [[Great Britain]], there was a campaign by Liberals, dissenters and nonconformists to disestablish the [[Church of England]] in the late nineteenth century. This was mainly because of the privileged position of Anglicans. For example until 1854 and 1856 respectively, only practicing Anglicans could matriculate at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The disestablishment movement was unsuccessful in part because the repeal of civil disabilities reduced the basis for the sense of injustice. There is now complete freedom of religion in the UK. The conflict between Anglicans and the [[Free Church]] focused on the emerging national educational system. The Free Churches didn't want the state funded schools to be controlled by the Anglican Church. However there still remained the theological and ecclesiological objection to the state's control of the inner life of the church.  
  
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Where state religions exist, it is usually true the majority of residents are officially considered adherents; however, much of this support is little more than nominal; many members of the church rarely attend it. But the population's allegiance towards the state religion is often strong enough to prevent them from joining competing religious groups.  
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The [[Church of Ireland]] was disestablished in 1869 (effective 1871). The Anglican Church was disestablished in [[Wales]] in 1920, the Church in Wales becoming separated from the Church of England in the process. The main objection to disestablishment was articulated by the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] [[Cosmo Lang]]: <blockquote>The question before us is whether in that inward region of the national life where anything that can be called its unity and character is expressed, there is not to be this witness to some ultimate sanction to which the nation looks, some ultimate ideal it proposes. It is in our judgement a very serious thing for a state to take out of that corporate heart of its life any acknowledgment at all of its concern with religion.</blockquote>
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[[Image:Queencrown.jpg|right|thumb|The [[coronation]] of Queen Elizabeth II, June 2, 1953. Prince Philip swears his allegiance to his wife and newly crowned sovereign.]]
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The state has continued to be involved in the affairs of the Church of England. in the 1928-1929 Prayer Book controversy [[Parliament]] rejected the proposals of the Church Assembly. Since then there have been several steps to make the Church more independent and self-governing. In 2008 the Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed to always accept the suggestion of the Church on the appointment of Bishops. Currently there is no serious impetus towards disestablishment. The Church of England continues to be intimately involved with the state from the parish government to education, having Bishops sitting in the legislature and the coronation of a monarch. About 36% of primary state schools and 17% of secondary state schools are church schools. The Church of Scotland considers itself to be a "national church" rather than an established church, as it is entirely independent of Parliamentary control in spiritual matters although it maintains links with the monarchy.
  
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A denomination's status as official religion does not always imply that the jurisdiction prohibits the existence or operation of other sects or religious bodies. It all depends upon the government and the level of tolerance the citizens of that country have for each other. Some countries with official religions have laws that guarantee the freedom of worship, full liberty of conscience, and places of worship for all citizens; and implement those laws than other countries that do not have an official or established state religion.
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The Jewish [[Beth Din]] is recognized under law and its rulings are binding if both sides in a dispute accept its jurisdiction. Under arbitration law Muslim [[Sharia]] courts are also recognized and their rulings can be enforced if both sides seek a ruling. Both the Bet Din and Sharia courts can only make rulings that fall within English Law and citizens always have the right to seek redress in the civil courts. Some elements of Sharia financial law have been incorporated into English Law so that Muslims who cannot pay or receive interest do not have to pay tax twice on property deals.
  
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==Present state religions==
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===Germany===
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Currently, the following religions are recognized as state religions in some countries: some form of [[Christianity]], [[Islam]] and [[Buddhism]].
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In [[Germany]] there are two official state churches, [[Catholic]] and [[Lutheran Church|Lutheran]]. Reforms under Frederick in Prussia can be compared to Napoleon's [[Concordat of 1801]] in France. The state collects the church tithe through the taxation system and determines the salaries of the clergy of the two official denominations and they also have a right to approve a candidate's educational background and political opinions. Clergy in Germany's established religions are among the most vociferous opponents of new religious movements in Europe, like [[Scientology]], because the spread of such religions undermines tax revenue gained from nominal members in one of the official religions that is used to support them. Catholic priests and Lutheran ministers conduct religious education in state schools for their respective pupils.
  
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===Christian countries===
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Religious bodies have to register with the state to be legitimate.
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The following states recognize some form of [[Christianity]] as their state or official religion (by denomination):
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===Russia===
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In [[Russia]] all religions were severely persecuted under [[communism]] for seventy years. Tens of thousands of priests were killed and millions of ordinary believers suffered for the faith. After the collapse of communism a 1993 law on religion proclaimed a secular state, guaranteed religious freedom, the separation of religion and state while recognizing the special contribution of [[Russian Orthodox Church|Orthodoxy]] to Russia and respecting the traditional religions of [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Judaism]]. In 1997 a law was passed that gave a privileged position to the Russian Orthodox Church, maintained the position of the other four religions but restricted the rights of other religions and sects. The Orthodox Church is also becoming more active in the educational system.
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==Current Global overview==
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===Christianity===
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The following states give some official recognition to some form of [[Christianity]] although the actual legal status varies considerably:
  
 
====Roman Catholic====
 
====Roman Catholic====
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Jurisdictions which recognize [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]] as their state or official religion:
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[[Argentina]], [[Bolivia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[El Salvador]], [[Germany]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Malta]], [[Monaco]], [[Slovakia]], some cantons of [[Switzerland]], and [[Vatican City]].
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*[[Argentina]]
 
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*[[Bolivia]]
 
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*[[Costa Rica]]
 
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*[[El Salvador]]
 
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*[[Liechtenstein]]
 
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*[[Malta]]
 
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*[[Monaco]]
 
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*[[Slovakia]]
 
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*Some cantons of Switzerland (state religion):
 
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**Appenzell Innerrhoden (declared "religion of the people of Appenzell Innerrhoden")
 
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**Nidwalden
 
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**Schwyz
 
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**Uri
 
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*Vatican City (official religion)
 
  
 
====Eastern Orthodox====
 
====Eastern Orthodox====
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Jurisdictions which recognize one of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]es as their state religion:
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[[Cyprus]], [[Moldova]], [[Greece]], [[Finland]] and [[Russia]].
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*[[Cyprus]] (Cypriot Orthodox Church)
 
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*Republic of Moldova ([[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church]])
 
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*[[Greece]] (Church of Greece)
 
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*[[Finland]]: Finnish Orthodox Church has a special relationship with the Finnish state. The internal structure of the church is described in the Orthodox Church Act. The church has a power to tax its members and corporations, the majority of which is owned by them. The church does not consider itself a state church, as the state does not have the authority to affect its internal workings or theology.
 
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*[[Russian Federation]]:  [[Russian Orthodox Church]], one of the four state religions of Russia alongside [[Judaism]], [[Islam]], and [[Buddhism]].
 
  
 
====Lutheran====
 
====Lutheran====
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Jurisdictions which recognize a [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] church as their state religion:
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[[Germany]], [[Denmark]], [[Iceland]], [[Norway]] and [[Finland]].
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*[[Denmark]] (Church of Denmark)
 
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*[[Iceland]] (Church of Iceland)
 
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*[[Norway]] (Church of Norway)
 
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*[[Finland]]: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has a special relationship with the Finnish state, its internal structure being described in a special law, the Church Act. The Church Act can be amended only by a decision of the Synod of the Evengelical Lutheran Church and subsequent ratification by the parliament. The church has a power to tax its members and all corporations, except those the majority of which is owned by members of the Finnish Orthodox Church. The state collects these taxes for the church, for a fee. On the other hand, the church is required to give a burial place for everyone in its graveyards.<ref>{{Citation
 
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|url=http://www.eroakirkosta.fi/media/english/status_of_the_finnish_state_church_in_2007.html#privileges
 
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|title=Status of the Finnish State Church in 2007&mdash;Privileges of the State Church
 
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|date=
 
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|publisher=eroakirkosta.fi
 
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|accessdate = Retrieved August 9, 2008.}}</ref> The Finnish president also decides the themes for the intercession days. The church does not consider itself a state church, as the Finnish state does not have the power to influence its internal workings or its theology, although it has a veto in those changes of the internal structure which require changing the Church Act. Neither does the Finnish state accord any precedence to Lutherans or the Lutheran faith in its own acts.
 
  
 
====Anglican====
 
====Anglican====
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Jurisdictions that recognise an Anglican church as their state religion:
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[[England]].
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*[[England]] ([[Church of England]])
 
  
 
====Reformed====
 
====Reformed====
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Jurisdictions which recognize a [[Reformed churches|Reformed]] church as their state religion:
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[[Scotland]] and some cantons of [[Switzerland]].
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*Some cantons of Switzerland (Swiss Reformed Church):
 
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**Aargau
 
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**Basel-Country
 
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**Berne
 
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**Glarus
 
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**Graubünden
 
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**Schwyz
 
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**Thurgau
 
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**Uri
 
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**Zurich
 
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*Scotland – the Church of Scotland is the national church, but is not a "state church" and has complete independence from the state in spiritual matters, thus being both established and free. The Monarch of the United Kingdom is an ''ex officio'' member.
 
  
 
====Old Catholic====
 
====Old Catholic====
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Jurisdictions which recognize an Old Catholic church as their state religion:
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Some cantons of Switzerland.
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*Some cantons of Switzerland (Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland):
 
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**Aargau
 
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**Basel-Country
 
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**Berne
 
  
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===Islamic countries===
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===Islam===
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Countries which recognize [[Islam]] as their official religion. Although the [[separation of church and state]] is a concept that originated in a western context, there is the notion of toleration for people of the book in Islam.
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Countries where [[Islam]] is the official religion: [[Afghanistan]], [[Algeria]] (Sunni), [[Bahrain]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Brunei]], [[Comoros]] (Sunni), [[Egypt]], [[Iran]] (Shi'a), [[Iraq]], [[Jordan]](Sunni), [[Kuwait]], [[Libya]], [[Malaysia]] (Sunni), [[Maldives]], [[Mauritania]] (Sunni), [[Morocco]], [[Oman]], [[Pakistan]] (Sunni), [[Qatar]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Somalia]] (Sunni), [[Tunisia]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Yemen]], and [[Russia]] where it one of four recognized religions.
  
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*[[Afghanistan]] (Islamic state)
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===Judaism===
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*[[Algeria]]
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[[Israel]] and [[Russia]] where it is one of four recognized religions.
−
*[[Bahrain]]
 
−
*[[Bangladesh]]
 
−
*[[Brunei]]
 
−
*[[Comoros]]
 
−
*[[Egypt]]
 
−
*[[Iran]] (Islamic state)
 
−
*[[Iraq]]
 
−
*[[Jordan]]
 
−
*[[Kuwait]]
 
−
*[[Libya]]
 
−
*[[Malaysia]]
 
−
*[[Maldives]]
 
−
*[[Mauritania]]
 
−
*[[Morocco]]
 
−
*[[Oman]]
 
−
*[[Pakistan]] (Islamic state)
 
−
*[[Qatar]]
 
−
*Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
 
−
*[[Saudi Arabia]] (Islamic kingdom)
 
−
*[[Somalia]]
 
−
*Somaliland
 
−
*[[Tunisia]]
 
−
*[[United Arab Emirates]]
 
−
*[[Yemen]] (Islamic state)
 
  
−
====Sunni Islam====
+
===Buddhism===
−
*[[Algeria]]
+
[[Bhutan]], [[Cambodia]], [[Russia]] ([[Kalmykia]] is a Buddhist republic within the [[Russian Federation]]), [[Sri Lanka]], [[Thailand]], Tibet Government in Exile (Gelugpa school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]).
−
*[[Comoros]]
 
−
*[[Malaysia]]
 
−
*[[Maldives]]
 
−
*[[Mauritania]]
 
−
*[[Pakistan]] (as national-sanctioned religion)
 
−
*[[Saudi Arabia]] (as state-sanctioned religion)
 
−
*[[Somalia]]
 
−
*[[Jordan]]
 
  
−
====Shi'a Islam====
+
===Hinduism===
−
*[[Iran]] (as state-sanctioned religion)
+
[[Nepal]] was once the world's only [[Hindu]] state, but has ceased to be so following a declaration by the Parliament in 2006.
  
−
===Buddhism as state religion===
+
===States without an official religion===
−
Governments which recognize [[Buddhism]], either a specific form of, or the whole, as their official religion:
+
These states do not profess any state religion, and are generally secular or laist. Countries which do not have an officially recognized religion include: [[Australia]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Cuba]], [[People's Republic of China|China]], [[France]], [[India]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], [[Jamaica]], [[Japan]]<ref>From the Meiji era to the first part of the Showa era in [[Japan]], ''Koshitsu Shinto'' was established as the national religion. According to this, the [[emperor of Japan]] was an arahitogami, an incarnate divinity and the offspring of goddess [[Amaterasu]]. As the emperor was, according to the constitution, "head of the empire" and "supreme commander of the Army and the Navy," every Japanese citizen had to obey his will and show absolute loyalty until the end of World War II.</ref>, [[Kosovo]]<ref>[http://www.kushtetutakosoves.info/?cid=2,247 Draft Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo] Retrieved August 9, 2008.</ref>, [[Lebanon]]<ref>(although president must always remain a [[Maronite]] Catholic, and prime minister a Sunni Muslim)</ref>, [[Mexico]], [[Montenegro]], [[Nepal]]<ref>(declared a secular state on May 18, 2006, by the newly resumed House of Representatives)</ref>, [[New Zealand]], [[Nigeria]], [[North Korea]], [[Romania]], [[Singapore]], [[South Africa]], [[South Korea]], [[Spain]], [[Turkey]], [[United States]], [[Venezuela]], [[Vietnam]].
  
−
*[[Bhutan]] (Drukpa Kagyu school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]])
+
===Established churches and former state churches===
−
*[[Cambodia]] ([[Theravada Buddhism]])<ref>{{Citation
 
−
|url=http://www.constitution.org/cons/cambodia.htm
 
−
|title=Constitution of Cambodia
 
−
|publisher=constitution.org
 
−
|accessdate= Retrieved August 9, 2008.}} (Article 43)</ref>
 
−
*Kalmykia, a republic within the [[Russian Federation]] ([[Tibetan Buddhism]] - sole Buddhist entity in Europe)
 
−
*[[Sri Lanka]] ([[Theravada Buddhism]] - The constitution accords Buddhism the "foremost place," but Buddhism is not recognized as the state religion.<ref>{{Citation
 
−
|url=http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/
 
−
|title=The Constitution of the Republic of Sri lanka
 
−
|chapter=Chapter II &mdash; Buddhism
 
−
|chapter-url=http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_02_Amd.html
 
−
|publisher=The Official Website of the Government of Sri Lanka
 
−
|accessdate= Retrieved August 9, 2008.}}</ref>
 
−
*[[Thailand]] ([[Theravada Buddhism]])
 
−
*Tibet Government in Exile (Gelugpa school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]])
 
−
 
 
−
===Hinduism as a State religion===
 
−
*[[Nepal]] was once the world's only Hindu state, but has ceased to be so following a declaration by the Parliament in 2006.
 
−
 
 
−
==States without any state religion==
 
−
These states do not profess any state religion, and are generally secular or laist. Countries which officially decline to establish any religion include:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Australia]]
 
−
*[[Azerbaijan]]
 
−
*[[Canada]]
 
−
*[[Chile]]
 
−
*[[Cuba]]
 
−
*[[People's Republic of China]]
 
−
*[[France]]
 
−
*[[India]]
 
−
*[[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
 
−
*[[Israel]] (which considers itself a "democratic Jewish state," although "[[Jewish]]" might be construed to refer to the people rather than the religion).<ref>[[Israel]] is defined in several of its laws as a democratic Jewish state. However, the term "[[Jew]]ish" is a polyseme that can relate equally to the Jewish people or religion. The debate about the meaning of the term Jewish and its legal and social applications (considering that it comes alongside the term "democratic") is one of the most profound issues with which Israeli society deals. At present, there is no specific law or official statement establishing the Jewish ''religion'' as the state's religion. However, the State of Israel supports religious institutions, particularly [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox Jewish]] ones, and recognizes the "religious communities" as carried over from those recognized under the British Mandate. These are: Jewish and Christian (Eastern Orthodox, Latin [Catholic], Gregorian-Armenian, Armenian-Catholic, Syrian [Catholic], Chaldean [Uniate], Greek Catholic Melkite, Maronite, and Syrian Orthodox). The fact that the Muslim population was not defined as a religious community is a vestige of the Ottoman period during which Islam was the dominant religion and does not affect the rights of the Muslim community to practice their faith. At the end of the period covered by this report, several of these denominations were pending official government recognition; however, the Government has allowed adherents of not officially recognized groups freedom to practice. In 1961, legislation gave Muslim Shari'a courts exclusive jurisdiction in matters of personal status. Three additional religious communities have subsequently been recognized by Israeli law &ndash; the [[Druze]] (prior under Islamic jurisdiction), the Evangelical Episcopal Church, and the [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]]. These groups have their own religious courts as official state courts for personal status matters. The structure and goals of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel are governed by Israeli law, but the law does not say explicitly that it is a state Rabbinate. Non-recognition of other streams of Judaism is the cause of some controversy. As of 2007, there is no civil marriage in Israel, although there is recognition of marriages performed abroad.</ref>
 
−
*[[Jamaica]]
 
−
*[[Japan]]<ref>From the Meiji era to the first part of the Showa era in [[Japan]], ''Koshitsu Shinto'' was established as the national religion. According to this, the [[emperor of Japan]] was an arahitogami, an incarnate divinity and the offspring of goddess [[Amaterasu]]. As the emperor was, according to the constitution, "head of the empire" and "supreme commander of the Army and the Navy," every Japanese citizen had to obey his will and show absolute loyalty until the end of World War II.</ref>
 
−
*Kosovo<ref>[http://www.kushtetutakosoves.info/?cid=2,247 Draft Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo] Retrieved August 9, 2008.</ref>
 
−
*[[Lebanon]] (although president must always remain a Maronite Catholic, and prime minister a Sunni Muslim)
 
−
*[[Mexico]]
 
−
*[[Montenegro]]
 
−
*[[Nepal]] (declared a secular state on May 18, 2006, by the newly resumed House of Representatives)
 
−
*[[New Zealand]]
 
−
*[[Nigeria]]
 
−
*[[North Korea]]
 
−
*[[Romania]]
 
−
*[[Russia]]
 
−
*[[Singapore]]
 
−
*[[South Africa]]
 
−
*[[South Korea]]
 
−
*[[Spain]]
 
−
*[[Turkey]]
 
−
*[[United States]]
 
−
*[[Venezuela]]
 
−
*[[Vietnam]]
 
−
 
 
−
==Established churches and former state churches==
 
  
 
{| class="sortable wikitable"
 
{| class="sortable wikitable"
Line 260: Line 151:
 
| [[Finland]]<ref>Finland's State Church was the Church of Sweden until 1809. As an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russia 1809-1917, Finland retained the Lutheran State Church system, and a state church separate from Sweden, later named the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, was established. It was detached from the state as a separate judicial entity when the new church law came to force in 1870. After Finland had gained independence in 1917, religious freedom was declared in the constitution of 1919 and a separate law on religious freedom in 1922. Through this arrangement, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland lost its position as a state church but gained a constitutional status as a national church alongside with the Finnish Orthodox Church, whose position however is not codified in the constitution.</ref> || Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland || Lutheran || 1870/1919
 
| [[Finland]]<ref>Finland's State Church was the Church of Sweden until 1809. As an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russia 1809-1917, Finland retained the Lutheran State Church system, and a state church separate from Sweden, later named the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, was established. It was detached from the state as a separate judicial entity when the new church law came to force in 1870. After Finland had gained independence in 1917, religious freedom was declared in the constitution of 1919 and a separate law on religious freedom in 1922. Through this arrangement, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland lost its position as a state church but gained a constitutional status as a national church alongside with the Finnish Orthodox Church, whose position however is not codified in the constitution.</ref> || Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland || Lutheran || 1870/1919
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[France]]<ref>In France the Concordat of 1801 made the Roman Catholic, Calvinist and Lutheran churches state-sponsored religions, as well as [[Judaism]].</ref> || [[Roman Catholic Church]] || [[Catholic]] || 1905
+
| [[France]]<ref>In France, the Concordat of 1801 made the Roman Catholic, Calvinist and Lutheran churches state-sponsored religions, as well as [[Judaism]].</ref> || [[Roman Catholic Church]] || [[Catholic]] || 1905
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Georgia]] || Georgian Orthodox Church || Eastern Orthodox || 1921
 
| [[Georgia]] || Georgian Orthodox Church || Eastern Orthodox || 1921
Line 272: Line 163:
 
| Hesse || Evangelical Church of Hesse and Nassau || Lutheran || 1918
 
| Hesse || Evangelical Church of Hesse and Nassau || Lutheran || 1918
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Hungary]]<ref>In Hungary the constitutional laws of 1848 declared five established churches on equal status: the [[Roman Catholic]], Calvinist, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox and Unitarian Church. In 1868 the law was ratified again after the Ausgleich. In 1895 [[Judaism]] was also recognized as the sixth established church. In 1948 every distinction between the different denominations were abolished.</ref> || [[Roman Catholic Church]] || [[Catholic]] || 1848
+
| [[Hungary]]<ref>In Hungary, the constitutional laws of 1848 declared five established churches on equal status: the [[Roman Catholic]], Calvinist, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox and Unitarian Church. In 1868 the law was ratified again after the Ausgleich. In 1895 [[Judaism]] was also recognized as the sixth established church. In 1948 every distinction between the different denominations were abolished.</ref> || [[Roman Catholic Church]] || [[Catholic]] || 1848
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Iceland]] || Lutheran Evangelical Church || Lutheran || no
 
| [[Iceland]] || Lutheran Evangelical Church || Lutheran || no
Line 350: Line 241:
 
| Württemberg || Evangelical Church of Württemberg || Lutheran || 1918
 
| Württemberg || Evangelical Church of Württemberg || Lutheran || 1918
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
==Former state churches in British North America==
 
−
===Protestant colonies===
 
−
*The colonies of [[Plymouth Colony|Plymouth]], [[Massachusetts Bay Colony|Massachusetts Bay]], New Haven, and New Hampshire were founded by Puritan, Calvinist, Protestants.
 
−
*New Netherland was founded by Dutch Reformed Calvinists.
 
−
*The colonies of New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia were officially Anglican.
 
−
 
−
===Catholic colonies===
 
−
*When [[New France]] was transferred to [[Great Britain]] in 1763, the [[Roman Catholic Church]] remained under toleration, but Huguenots were allowed entrance where they had formerly been banned from settlement by Parisian authorities.
 
−
*The Colony of Maryland was founded by a charter granted in 1632 to George Calvert, secretary of state to Charles I, and his son Cecil, both recent converts to Roman Catholicism. Under their leadership many English Catholic gentry families settled in Maryland. However, the colonial government was officially neutral in religious affairs, granting toleration to all Christian groups and enjoining them to avoid actions which antagonized the others. On several occasions low-church dissenters led insurrections which temporarily overthrew the Calvert rule. In 1689, when William and Mary came to the English throne, they acceded to demands to revoke the original royal charter. In 1701 the Anglican Church was established, and in the course of the eighteenth century Maryland Catholics were first barred from public office, then disenfranchised, although not all of the laws passed against them (notably laws restricting property rights and imposing penalties for sending children to be educated in foreign Catholic institutions) were enforced, and some Catholics even continued to hold public office.
 
−
*Spanish Florida was ceded to [[Great Britain]] in 1763, the British divided Florida into two colonies. Both East and West Florida continued a policy of toleration for the Catholic Residents.
 
−
 
−
===Colonies with no established church===
 
−
*The Province of Pennsylvania was founded by [[Religious Society of Friends|Quakers]], but the colony never had an established church.
 
−
*West Jersey, also founded by [[Quakers]], prohibited any establishment.
 
−
*Delaware Colony had no established church.
 
−
*The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, founded by religious dissenters forced to flee the Massachusetts Bay colony, is widely regarded as the first polity to grant religious freedom to all its citizens.
 
−
 
−
===Tabular Summary===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Colony || Denomination || Disestablished
 
−
|-
 
−
| Connecticut || Congregational || 1818
 
−
|-
 
−
| Georgia || [[Church of England]] || 1789
 
−
|-
 
−
| Maryland || [[Church of England]] || 1776
 
−
|-
 
−
| Massachusetts || Congregational || 1780
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[New Brunswick]] || [[Church of England]] ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| New Hampshire || Congregational || 1790
 
−
|-
 
−
| Newfoundland || [[Church of England]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| North Carolina || [[Church of England]] || 1776
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Nova Scotia]] || [[Church of England]] || 1850
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Prince Edward Island]] || [[Church of England]] ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| South Carolina || [[Church of England]] || 1790
 
−
|-
 
−
| Canada West || [[Church of England]] || 1854
 
−
|-
 
−
| West Florida || [[Church of England]] || N/A<sup>,</sup>
 
−
|-|
 
−
| East Florida || [[Church of England]] || N/A<sup>,</sup>
 
−
|-
 
−
| Virginia || [[Church of England]] || 1786
 
−
|-
 
−
| West Indies || [[Church of England]] || 1868
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
==Disestablishment==
 
−
'''Disestablishment''' is the process of divesting a church of its status as an organ of the state. In England there was a campaign by Liberals, dissenters and nonconformists to disestablish the [[Church of England]] in the late 19th century; it failed in [[England]], but demands for the measure persist to this day. The Church of Ireland was disestablished in 1869 (effective 1871) and the Church of England was disestablished in Wales in 1920, the Church in Wales becoming separated from the Church of England in the process - it had formerly effectively been the Church of England and Wales. Those who wish to continue with an established church take a position of antidisestablishmentarianism.
 
−
 
−
The [[First Amendment]] to the [[Constitution of the United States|US Constitution]] explicitly forbids the U.S. federal [[government]] from enacting any law respecting a religious establishment, and thus forbids either designating an official church for the United States, or interfering with State and local official churches &mdash; which were common when the First Amendment was enacted. It did not prevent state governments from establishing official churches. [[Connecticut]] continued to do so until it replaced its colonial Charter with the Connecticut Constitution of 1818; Massachusetts did not disestablish its official church until 1833, more than forty years after the ratification of the First Amendment; and local official establishments of religion persisted even later.
 
−
 
−
The [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourteenth Amendment]] to the [[Constitution of the United States|US Constitution]], ratified in 1868, makes no mention of religious establishment, but forbids the states to "abridge the privileges or immunities" of U.S. citizens, or to "deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." In the 1947 case of Everson v. Board of Education, the United States Supreme Court held that this later provision incorporates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause as applying to the States, and thereby prohibits state and local religious establishments. The exact boundaries of this prohibition are still disputed, and are a frequent source of cases before the [[Supreme Court of the United States|US Supreme Court]] &mdash; especially as the Court must now balance, on a state (equivalent to province) level, the First Amendment prohibitions on government establishment of official religions with the First Amendment prohibitions on government interference with the free exercise of religion. See school prayer for such a controversy in contemporary US politics.
 
−
 
−
All current U.S. state constitutions include guarantees of religious liberty parallel to the First Amendment, but eight ([[Arkansas]], [[Maryland]], [[Massachusetts]], North Carolina, [[Pennsylvania]], [[South Carolina]], [[Tennessee]], and [[Texas]]) also contain clauses that prohibit atheists from holding public office.<ref>{{cite web
 
−
|url=http://www.godlessgeeks.com/LINKS/StateConstitutions.htm
 
−
|title=State Constitutions that Discriminate Against Atheists
 
−
|publisher=www.godlessgeeks.com
 
−
|accessdate= Retrieved August 9, 2008.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 
−
|url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/texas.htm
 
−
|title=Religious laws and religious bigotry - Religious discrimination in U.S. state constitutions
 
−
|publisher=www.religioustolerance.com
 
−
|accessdate= Retrieved August 9, 2008.}}</ref>
 
−
However, these clauses have been held by the [[United States Supreme Court]] to be unenforceable in the 1961 case of ''Torcaso v. Watkins'', where the court ruled unanimously that such clauses constituted a religious test incompatible with First and Fourteenth Amendment protections.
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
{{reflist}}
+
<references/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
*Berg, Thomas C. (2004). "The State and Religion in a Nutshell." West Group Publishing. ISBN 978-0314148858  
+
*Berg, Thomas C. 2004. ''The State and Religion in a Nutshell.'' West Group Publishing. ISBN 978-0314148858  
−
*Brown, L. Carl. (2001). "Religion and State." Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0231120395  
+
*Brown, L. Carl. 2001. ''Religion and State.'' Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0231120395  
−
*Fox, Jonathan. (2008). "A World Survey of Religion and the State." Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521707589
+
*Fox, Jonathan. 2008. ''A World Survey of Religion and the State.'' Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521707589
 +
*Hasson, Kevin Seamus. 2005. ''The Right to Be Wrong: Ending the Culture War Over Religion in America.'' Encounter Books. ISBN 1594030839
 +
*Madeley, John & Zsolt Enyedi, eds. 2003. ''Church and State in Contemporary Europe: the chimera of neutrality.'' London: Frank Cass Publishers.  ISBN 0714683299
 +
*Weller, Paul. 2005. ''Time For A Change: Reconfiguring Religion, State And Society.'' London: T. & T. Clark. ISBN 978-0567084873
 +
 
  
−
==External links==
 
−
*{{cite journal
 
−
| quotes =
 
−
| last = McConnell
 
−
| first = Michael W.
 
−
| authorlink =
 
−
| coauthors =
 
−
|date=2003
 
−
| year =
 
−
| month = April
 
−
| title = Establishment and Disestablishment at the Founding, Part I: Establishment of Religion
 
−
| journal = William and Mary Law Review, provided by Questia.com
 
−
| volume = 44
 
−
| issue = 5
 
−
| pages = 2105
 
−
| doi =
 
−
| id =
 
−
| url = http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002019127&er=deny
 
−
| format =
 
−
| accessdate = 2006-11-23
 
−
}} ''Retrived on June 12, 2008''
 
  
 
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]

Latest revision as of 19:54, 9 February 2023

Nations with state religions: ██ Theravada Buddhism or Vajrayana Buddhism ██ Islam ██ Shi'a Islam ██ Sunni Islam ██ Orthodox Christianity ██ Protestantism ██ Roman Catholicism

A state religion (also called an official religion, established church or state church) is a religious body or creed officially endorsed by the state. In some countries more than one religion or denomination has such standing. There are also a variety of ways such endorsement occurs. The term state church is associated with Christianity, and is sometimes used to denote a specific national branch of Christianity such as the Greek Orthodox Church or the Church of England. State religions exist in some countries because the national identity has historically had a specific religious identity as an inseparable component. It is also possible for a national church to be established without being under state control as the Roman Catholic Church is in some countries. In countries where state religions exist, the majority of its residents are usually adherents. A population's allegiance towards the state religion is often strong enough to prevent them from joining another religious group. There is also a tendency for religious freedom to be curtailed to varying degrees where there is an established religion. A state without a state religion is called a secular state. The relationship between church and state is complex and has a long history.

The degree and nature of state backing for a denomination or creed designated as a state religion can vary. It can range from mere endorsement and financial support, with freedom for other faiths to practice, to prohibiting any competing religious body from operating and to persecuting the followers of other faiths. It all depends upon the political culture and the level of tolerance in that country. Some countries with official religions have laws that guarantee the freedom of worship, full liberty of conscience, and places of worship for all citizens; and implement those laws more than other countries that do not have an official or established state religion. Many sociologists now consider the effect of a state church as analogous to a chartered monopoly in religion.

The lack of a separation between religion and state means that religion may play an important role in the public life a country such as coronations, investitures, legislation, marriage, education and government. What might otherwise be purely civil events may be given a religious context with all the spiritual legitimacy that implies. It also means that civil authorities may be involved in the governing of the institution including its doctrine, structure and appointment of its leaders. Religious authority is very significant and civil authorities often want to control it.

There have also been religious states where the ruler may be believed to be divine and the state has a sacred and absolute authority beyond which there was no appeal. It was to the state that a person belonged, it was state gave a person his or her identity, determined what was right or wrong and was the sole or at least highest legitimate object of a person's loyalty and devotion. The state would have its own rituals, symbols, mythical founder, belief system and personality cult associated with the ruler. Examples of such states were ancient Egypt, the pagan Roman Empire, Fascist Germany and the Soviet Union.

Historical Origins

Antiquity

State religions were known in ancient times in the empires of Egypt and Sumer and ancient Greece when every city state or people had its own god or gods. The religions had little ethical content and the main purpose of worship was to petition the gods to protect the city or the state and make it victorious over its enemies. There was often a powerful personality cult associated with the ruler. Sumerian kings came to be viewed as divine soon after their reigns, like Sargon the Great of Akkad. One of the first rulers to be proclaimed a god during his actual reign was Gudea of Lagash, followed by some later kings of Ur. The state religion was integral to the power base of the reigning government, such as in ancient Egypt, where Pharaohs were often thought of as embodiments of the god Horus.

In the Persian Empire, Zoroastrianism was the state religion of the Sassanid dynasty which lasted until 651 C.E., when Persia was conquered by the armies of Islam. However, Zoroastrianism persisted as the state religion of the independent state of Hyrcania until the fifteenth century.

China

In China, the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E. – 220 C.E.) made Confucianism the de facto state religion, establishing tests based on Confucian texts as an entrance requirement to government service. The Han emperors appreciated the social order that is central to Confucianism. Confucianism would continue to be the state religion until the Sui Dynasty (581-618 C.E.), when it was replaced by Mahayana Buddhism. Neo-Confucianism returned as the de facto state religion sometime in the tenth century. Note however, there is a debate over whether Confucianism (including Neo-Confucianism) is a religion or merely a system of ethics.

The Roman Empire

The State religion of the Roman Empire was Roman polytheism, centralized around the emperor. With the title Pontifex Maximus, the emperor was honored as a 'god' either posthumously or during his reign. Failure to worship the emperor as a god was at times punishable by death, as the Roman government sought to link emperor worship with loyalty to the Empire. Many Christians were persecuted, tortured and killed because they refused to worship the emperor.

In 313 C.E., Constantine I and Licinius, the two Augusti, enacted the Edict of Milan allowing religious freedom to everyone within the Roman Empire. The Edict of Milan stated that Christians could openly practice their religion unmolested and unrestricted and ensured that properties taken from Christians be returned to them unconditionally. Although the Edict of Milan allowed religious freedom throughout the empire, and did not abolish nor disestablish the Roman state cult, in practice it permitted official favor for Christianity, which Constantine intended to make the new state religion.

Constantine the Great, mosaic in Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, c. 1000

Seeking unity for his new state religion, Constantine summoned the First Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E. Disagreements between different Christian sects was causing social disturbances in the empire, and he wanted Christian leaders to come to some agreement about what they believed and if necessary to enforce that belief or expel those who disagreed. This set a significant precedent for subsequent state involvement and interference in the internal workings of the Christian Church.

The Christian lifestyle was generally admired and Christians managed government offices with exceptional honesty and integrity. Roman Catholic Christianity, as opposed to Arianism and Gnosticism, was declared to be the state religion of the Roman Empire on February 27, 380 C.E. by the decree De Fide Catolica of Emperor Theodosius I.[1] This declaration was based on the expectation that as an official state religion it would bring unity and stability to the empire. Theodosius then proceeded to destroy pagan temples and built churches in their place.

Eastern Orthodoxy

The first country to make Christianity the national religion was Armenia. It deliberately adopted a version of Christianity which was unorthodox so as to establish and maintain their national distinctiveness and independence. This pattern of a national church was common in most orthodox countries with many of them becoming the de facto state religion.

Following on from the precedent established by Constantine I, it sometimes appeared in Eastern Christianity that the head of the state was also the head of the church and supreme judge in religious matters. This is called caesaropapism and was most frequently associated with the Byzantine Empire. In reality the relationship was more like an interdependence, or symphony, between the imperial and ecclesiastical institutions. Ideally it was a dynamic and moral relationship. In theory the emperor was neither doctrinally infallible nor invested with priestly authority and many times the emperor failed to get his way.

However, it was normal for the Emperor to act as the protector of the church and be involved in its administrative affairs. Constantine was called “the overseer of external” (as opposed to spiritual) church problems by Eusebius of Caesarea. Emperors chaired church councils, and their will was decisive in appointing of patriarchs and deciding the territory they would have authority over.

In Russia caesaropapism was more a reality. Ivan the Dread would brook no opposition or criticism from the church and later Peter the Great abolished the patriarchate and in 1721 made the church a department of the state.

The Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation criticized the dogmas and corruption of the papacy. In Germany Martin Luther required the protection of his political ruler Frederick the Wise. He and other German princes supported Luther and adopted his reforms as it was a way that they could free themselves from the control of the papacy. In exchange for protection, Luther and the German Reformation thus ceded more temporal authority to the State leading to the possibility of less of a moral check on political power. This arrangement is known as Erastianism. Some historians thus blame Luther for the possibility of the eventual rise of Adolf Hitler.

In England Henry VIII nationalized the Catholic Church in England creating a state church, the Church of England to suit his dynastic needs. The 1534 Act of Supremacy made Henry 'the only head in earth of the Church of England.' During the reign of his son Edward VI a more thoroughgoing Protestantization was imposed by royal rule including the first English Prayer Book. Under Elizabeth I the Church was effectively subordinate to the interests of the state. The monarch's title was also modified to 'supreme governor'. The 1593 Act of Uniformity made it a legal requirement for everyone to attend the established church on pain of banishment. Those attending an alternative service were regarded as disloyal and could be imprisoned or banished.

In reaction to this a Puritan movement developed within the church which wanted to return to the ecclesial life of the early church. This wing became more Separatist and later led to the emergence of the Independent and Congregationalist movements. This culminated in the English Revolution which shattered the relationship between church and state. Pluralism accompanied the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. The state though still controlled the church and replaced episcopal government with the presbyterian system. The Restoration saw the attempt to re-establish a single church to provide cement and stability for a deeply disunited and unsettled society. Several laws were passed to enforce attendance at the established church. From the eighteenth century these was gradually relaxed and repealed as it became clear that non-conformists were loyal.

Puritans and other non-conformists who emigrated to America decided that there should be a separation between church and state.

The Present Situation in Europe

Despite a general consensus among political philosophers in favor of the religious neutrality of the liberal democratic state, nowhere in Europe is this principle fully realized. From Ireland to Russia, Norway to Malta, a bewildering array of patterns of church-state relations reflect different confessional traditions, contrasting histories and distinctive constitutional and administrative practices.[2]

Great Britain

In Great Britain, there was a campaign by Liberals, dissenters and nonconformists to disestablish the Church of England in the late nineteenth century. This was mainly because of the privileged position of Anglicans. For example until 1854 and 1856 respectively, only practicing Anglicans could matriculate at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The disestablishment movement was unsuccessful in part because the repeal of civil disabilities reduced the basis for the sense of injustice. There is now complete freedom of religion in the UK. The conflict between Anglicans and the Free Church focused on the emerging national educational system. The Free Churches didn't want the state funded schools to be controlled by the Anglican Church. However there still remained the theological and ecclesiological objection to the state's control of the inner life of the church.

The Church of Ireland was disestablished in 1869 (effective 1871). The Anglican Church was disestablished in Wales in 1920, the Church in Wales becoming separated from the Church of England in the process. The main objection to disestablishment was articulated by the Archbishop of Canterbury Cosmo Lang:

The question before us is whether in that inward region of the national life where anything that can be called its unity and character is expressed, there is not to be this witness to some ultimate sanction to which the nation looks, some ultimate ideal it proposes. It is in our judgement a very serious thing for a state to take out of that corporate heart of its life any acknowledgment at all of its concern with religion.

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, June 2, 1953. Prince Philip swears his allegiance to his wife and newly crowned sovereign.

The state has continued to be involved in the affairs of the Church of England. in the 1928-1929 Prayer Book controversy Parliament rejected the proposals of the Church Assembly. Since then there have been several steps to make the Church more independent and self-governing. In 2008 the Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed to always accept the suggestion of the Church on the appointment of Bishops. Currently there is no serious impetus towards disestablishment. The Church of England continues to be intimately involved with the state from the parish government to education, having Bishops sitting in the legislature and the coronation of a monarch. About 36% of primary state schools and 17% of secondary state schools are church schools. The Church of Scotland considers itself to be a "national church" rather than an established church, as it is entirely independent of Parliamentary control in spiritual matters although it maintains links with the monarchy.

The Jewish Beth Din is recognized under law and its rulings are binding if both sides in a dispute accept its jurisdiction. Under arbitration law Muslim Sharia courts are also recognized and their rulings can be enforced if both sides seek a ruling. Both the Bet Din and Sharia courts can only make rulings that fall within English Law and citizens always have the right to seek redress in the civil courts. Some elements of Sharia financial law have been incorporated into English Law so that Muslims who cannot pay or receive interest do not have to pay tax twice on property deals.

Germany

In Germany there are two official state churches, Catholic and Lutheran. Reforms under Frederick in Prussia can be compared to Napoleon's Concordat of 1801 in France. The state collects the church tithe through the taxation system and determines the salaries of the clergy of the two official denominations and they also have a right to approve a candidate's educational background and political opinions. Clergy in Germany's established religions are among the most vociferous opponents of new religious movements in Europe, like Scientology, because the spread of such religions undermines tax revenue gained from nominal members in one of the official religions that is used to support them. Catholic priests and Lutheran ministers conduct religious education in state schools for their respective pupils.

Religious bodies have to register with the state to be legitimate.

Russia

In Russia all religions were severely persecuted under communism for seventy years. Tens of thousands of priests were killed and millions of ordinary believers suffered for the faith. After the collapse of communism a 1993 law on religion proclaimed a secular state, guaranteed religious freedom, the separation of religion and state while recognizing the special contribution of Orthodoxy to Russia and respecting the traditional religions of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. In 1997 a law was passed that gave a privileged position to the Russian Orthodox Church, maintained the position of the other four religions but restricted the rights of other religions and sects. The Orthodox Church is also becoming more active in the educational system.

Current Global overview

Christianity

The following states give some official recognition to some form of Christianity although the actual legal status varies considerably:

Roman Catholic

Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Slovakia, some cantons of Switzerland, and Vatican City.

Eastern Orthodox

Cyprus, Moldova, Greece, Finland and Russia.

Lutheran

Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Finland.

Anglican

England.

Reformed

Scotland and some cantons of Switzerland.

Old Catholic

Some cantons of Switzerland.

Islam

Countries where Islam is the official religion: Afghanistan, Algeria (Sunni), Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Comoros (Sunni), Egypt, Iran (Shi'a), Iraq, Jordan(Sunni), Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia (Sunni), Maldives, Mauritania (Sunni), Morocco, Oman, Pakistan (Sunni), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (Sunni), Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Russia where it one of four recognized religions.

Judaism

Israel and Russia where it is one of four recognized religions.

Buddhism

Bhutan, Cambodia, Russia (Kalmykia is a Buddhist republic within the Russian Federation), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet Government in Exile (Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism).

Hinduism

Nepal was once the world's only Hindu state, but has ceased to be so following a declaration by the Parliament in 2006.

States without an official religion

These states do not profess any state religion, and are generally secular or laist. Countries which do not have an officially recognized religion include: Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, Cuba, China, France, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan[3], Kosovo[4], Lebanon[5], Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal[6], New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam.

Established churches and former state churches

Country Church Denomination Disestablished
Albania none since independence n/a n/a
Anhalt Evangelical Church of Anhalt Lutheran 1918
Armenia Armenian Apostolic Church Oriental Orthodox 1921
Austria Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1918
Baden Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church of Baden Catholic and Lutheran 1918
Bavaria Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1918
Brazil Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1890
Brunswick-Lüneburg Evangelical Lutheran State Church of Brunswick Lutheran 1918
Bulgaria Bulgarian Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox 1946
Chile Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1925
Cuba Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1902
Cyprus Cypriot Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox 1977
Czechoslovakia Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1920
Denmark Church of Denmark Lutheran no
England Church of England Anglican no
Estonia Church of Estonia Eastern Orthodox 1940
Finland[7] Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland Lutheran 1870/1919
France[8] Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1905
Georgia Georgian Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox 1921
Greece Greek Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox no
Guatemala Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1871
Haiti Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1987
Hesse Evangelical Church of Hesse and Nassau Lutheran 1918
Hungary[9] Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1848
Iceland Lutheran Evangelical Church Lutheran no
Ireland Church of Ireland Anglican 1871
Italy Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1984
Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church/Islam Catholic/Islam no
Liechtenstein Roman Catholic Church Catholic no
Lippe Church of Lippe Reformed 1918
Lithuania Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1940
Lübeck North Elbian Evangelical Church Lutheran 1918
Luxembourg Roman Catholic Church Catholic ?
Republic of Macedonia Macedonian Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox no
Malta Roman Catholic Church Catholic no
Mecklenburg Evangelical Church of Mecklenburg Lutheran 1918
Mexico Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1874
Monaco Roman Catholic Church Catholic no
Mongolia Buddhism n/a 1926
Netherlands Dutch Reformed Church Reformed 1795
Norway Church of Norway Lutheran no
Oldenburg Evangelical Lutheran Church of Oldenburg Lutheran 1918
Panama Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1904
Philippines[10] Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1902
Poland Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1939
Portugal Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1910
Prussia 13 provincial churches Lutheran 1918
Romania Romanian Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox 1947
Russia Russian Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox 1917
Thuringia Evangelical Church in Thuringia Lutheran 1918
Saxony Evangelical Church of Saxony Lutheran 1918
Schaumburg-Lippe Evangelical Church of Schaumburg-Lippe Lutheran 1918
Scotland[11] Church of Scotland Presbyterian no
Serbia Serbian Orthodox Church Eastern ?
Spain Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1978
Sweden Church of Sweden Lutheran 2000
Switzerland none since the adoption of the Federal Constitution (1848) n/a n/a
Turkey Islam Islam 1928
Uruguay Roman Catholic Church Catholic 1919
Waldeck Evangelical Church of Hesse-Kassel and Waldeck Lutheran 1918
Wales[12] Church in Wales Anglican 1920
Württemberg Evangelical Church of Württemberg Lutheran 1918

Notes

  1. ↑ "Theodosian Code XVI.i.2" (excerpt from Henry Bettenson, ed., Documents of the Christian Church. (London: Oxford University Press, 1943) at Paul Halsall.[1] Medieval Sourcebook: Banning of Other Religions. (June 1997) Fordham University Retrieved August 9, 2008
  2. ↑ John Madeley & Zsolt Enyedi, (eds.) Church and State in Contemporary Europe: the chimera of neutrality. (London: Frank Cass Publishers, 2003)
  3. ↑ From the Meiji era to the first part of the Showa era in Japan, Koshitsu Shinto was established as the national religion. According to this, the emperor of Japan was an arahitogami, an incarnate divinity and the offspring of goddess Amaterasu. As the emperor was, according to the constitution, "head of the empire" and "supreme commander of the Army and the Navy," every Japanese citizen had to obey his will and show absolute loyalty until the end of World War II.
  4. ↑ Draft Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo Retrieved August 9, 2008.
  5. ↑ (although president must always remain a Maronite Catholic, and prime minister a Sunni Muslim)
  6. ↑ (declared a secular state on May 18, 2006, by the newly resumed House of Representatives)
  7. ↑ Finland's State Church was the Church of Sweden until 1809. As an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russia 1809-1917, Finland retained the Lutheran State Church system, and a state church separate from Sweden, later named the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, was established. It was detached from the state as a separate judicial entity when the new church law came to force in 1870. After Finland had gained independence in 1917, religious freedom was declared in the constitution of 1919 and a separate law on religious freedom in 1922. Through this arrangement, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland lost its position as a state church but gained a constitutional status as a national church alongside with the Finnish Orthodox Church, whose position however is not codified in the constitution.
  8. ↑ In France, the Concordat of 1801 made the Roman Catholic, Calvinist and Lutheran churches state-sponsored religions, as well as Judaism.
  9. ↑ In Hungary, the constitutional laws of 1848 declared five established churches on equal status: the Roman Catholic, Calvinist, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox and Unitarian Church. In 1868 the law was ratified again after the Ausgleich. In 1895 Judaism was also recognized as the sixth established church. In 1948 every distinction between the different denominations were abolished.
  10. ↑ Disestablished by the Philippine Organic Act of 1902.
  11. ↑ The Church of Scotland is "established" in the sense that its system of church courts was set up by Parliament, but over the centuries it has resisted interference by secular authorities. The Church of Scotland Act 1921 recognizes its exclusive authority to decide ecclesiastical issues, and the statute incorporates and accepts the Church's Declaratory Articles as lawful.
  12. ↑ The Church in Wales was split from the Church of England in 1920 by Welsh Church Act 1914; at the same time becoming disestablished.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Berg, Thomas C. 2004. The State and Religion in a Nutshell. West Group Publishing. ISBN 978-0314148858
  • Brown, L. Carl. 2001. Religion and State. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0231120395
  • Fox, Jonathan. 2008. A World Survey of Religion and the State. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521707589
  • Hasson, Kevin Seamus. 2005. The Right to Be Wrong: Ending the Culture War Over Religion in America. Encounter Books. ISBN 1594030839
  • Madeley, John & Zsolt Enyedi, eds. 2003. Church and State in Contemporary Europe: the chimera of neutrality. London: Frank Cass Publishers. ISBN 0714683299
  • Weller, Paul. 2005. Time For A Change: Reconfiguring Religion, State And Society. London: T. & T. Clark. ISBN 978-0567084873

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