Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
Located to the southeast of the Philippines, Palau is an archipelago of some 250 islands that form the western range of the Caroline Islands. More than half the country’s population lives in Koror State. Once a part of the Spanish East Indies, the islands of Palau — along with other islands in the Pacific Ocean — were incorporated within the US-governed Trust Territory after US troops liberated Palau from Japanese occupation during World War II. The country gained full sovereignty in 1994 and has a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States. Palau and the US maintain close economic, political, and security ties.
Under Article IV (1) of the Constitution, the government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion or belief. It shall take no action to “deny or impair the freedom of conscience or of philosophical or religious belief of any person nor take any action to compel, prohibit or hinder the exercise of religion.”
The Constitution prohibits any state religion. Nevertheless, the state may provide funding to “‘private or parochial’ schools on a fair and equitable basis for non-religious purposes.”
The population is mainly Christian, and Catholicism is the principal form of Christianity. Some estimates indicate that around half of the population is Catholic. Other religious groups include Evangelicals and Seventh-day Adventists.
The Modekngei faith is unique to the country and, according to some sources, it is professed by about 5.7 percent of the inhabitants. Followers combine Christianity with ancient Palauan, animistic beliefs. Many of the followers live in the small town of Ibobang and attend daily church services. The Belua Modekngei School is located in that town.
There are also small groups of Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptists, and members of the Assembly of God, as well as other religious groups. Muslims are primarily Bangladeshi nationals.
Incidents and developments
The U.S. Army’s Pacific Task Force Oceania Unit Ministry Team spent a couple of months in early 2022 “spreading a message of faith, love and unity with the Palauan people.” The visit involved meeting with key leaders of various faiths and government officials, providing the Unit Ministry Team with an opportunity to participate in community religious activities, ranging from church services to youth camps and prison chapel services. The island’s small Islamic population especially expressed its appreciation for the visit.
The lack of religious ministers is evident in Palau, where Christian religious services are few and far between. In March 2022, Australian Army pastor Chaplain Stephen Copland visited Palau’s capital city, Koror, in order to support and engage members of the community, some of whom had gone without religious services for months. Chaplain Copland was also able to visit certain remote, outer islands, which are frequently neglected. This was especially beneficial for residents.
Prospects for freedom of religion
The government of Palau and Palauan society generally respect freedom of religion, and the prospects for the future remain positive.
Palau