| Freedom of religion |
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| Religion portal |
Freedom of religion in North Macedonia refers to the extent to which people in North Macedonia are freely able to practice their religious beliefs, taking into account both government policies and societal attitudes toward religious groups.
The laws of North Macedonia prohibit religious discrimination and provide for equal rights for all citizens regardless religious belief, and people generally have the freedom to practice their religion without disruption. Religious organizations have complained about unfair treatment by the government around questions of building permits and property restitution. There have been incidences of vandalism and theft against religious buildings.[1]
While Macedonia did experience some violence in 2001 as part of the Yugoslav Wars, it did not reach the level of violence experienced in other countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the conflict was predominantly ethnic, rather than religious, in character.[2] There was a religious dispute between the Serbian Orthodox Church and Macedonian Orthodox Church since the Yugoslavian era, in which the Serbian Church did not recognize the Macedonian Church's self-proclaimed autocephalous status.[3] The government of North Macedonia has at times taken action against Serbian Orthodox priests as well as Macedonian Orthodox priests seeking to reconcile with the Serbian church.[1][4] The dispute was resolved in 2022.
In 2023, the country was scored 3 out of 4 for religious freedom.[5]
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