Global Religious Inclusivity: A Look at the OBI Inclusiveness Index
Religious inclusivity is a crucial aspect of a thriving and equitable society, fostering belonging and reducing marginalization. The Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) at the University of California, Berkeley, provides a comprehensive Inclusiveness Index that assesses various dimensions of inclusion, including religious diversity.
This index helps us understand which countries are excelling in creating environments where individuals of all faiths and beliefs can feel valued and participate fully.
The OBI Inclusiveness Index goes beyond simple tolerance, aiming to measure the degree of institutional inclusion and protections extended to vulnerable groups. For religious inclusivity, this involves considering factors such as out-group violence, political representation, and anti-discrimination laws related to religion. Higher scores indicate greater inclusivity.
It's important to note that the OBI Inclusiveness Index is a comparative analysis, meaning country scores are relative to other nations in the global context. While the index provides valuable insights, it's a diagnostic tool intended to spark further inquiry and conversation, rather than a definitive assessment.
Top Countries for Religious Inclusivity (Based on OBI Inclusiveness Index Data)
While the overall OBI Inclusiveness Index ranks countries based on a composite of various dimensions (race, gender, LGBTQ+, religion, disability, and general population indicators), we can isolate the "Religion Rank/Index" to identify countries performing exceptionally well in religious inclusivity.
The following table presents some of the top-ranking countries specifically for religious inclusivity, based on available OBI Inclusiveness Index data. It's worth noting that a country's overall inclusiveness rank may differ from its religious inclusivity rank, as different dimensions contribute to the overall score.
| Rank (Religious Inclusivity) | Country | Religion Index Score | Overall OBI Inclusiveness Index Rank |
| 1st (example from general OBI data) | New Zealand | 92.70 | 1 |
| 2nd (example from general OBI data) | Portugal | 92.68 | 2 |
| 10th | New Zealand | 92.70 | 1 |
| 11th | Portugal | 92.68 | 2 |
| 28th | Malta | 85.85 | 9 |
| 31st | Ireland | 84.22 | 12 |
| 43rd | Slovenia | 81.88 | 6 |
| 47th | South Africa | 80.84 | 13 |
| 51st | Luxembourg | 79.60 | 8 |
| 63rd | Canada | 76.29 | 14 |
| 64th | Sweden | 76.28 | 5 |
| 73rd | Iceland | 72.26 | 4 |
| 76th | Norway | 71.18 | 3 |
Note: The "Religion Index Score" is a specific component of the broader OBI Inclusiveness Index. The ranks presented here are derived directly from the OBI's religious inclusivity component where available. The overall OBI Inclusiveness Index Rank is provided for context.
These countries demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering environments where individuals of diverse religious backgrounds can thrive, free from discrimination and marginalization. Their high scores suggest robust legal frameworks, societal acceptance, and institutional practices that promote religious freedom and inclusion. By examining their approaches, other nations can gain valuable insights into building more inclusive societies for all.
New Zealand: A Beacon of Religious Inclusivity
New Zealand consistently ranks among the most inclusive countries globally, and its performance in religious inclusivity is particularly noteworthy. The nation's commitment to protecting religious freedom and fostering a welcoming environment for diverse faiths is reflected in its high standing on international indices.
The latest Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) Inclusiveness Index from the University of California, Berkeley, places New Zealand exceptionally high in religious inclusivity. In the most recent available data, New Zealand ranks 10th globally for religious inclusivity with a score of 92.70, contributing to its overall 1st place ranking as the most inclusive country in the world. This impressive performance underscores New Zealand's robust legal frameworks, societal attitudes, and institutional practices that promote religious freedom and belonging.
Foundations of Religious Inclusivity in New Zealand
New Zealand's strength in religious inclusivity stems from several key factors:
- Secular State with Protected Freedoms: While New Zealand is a secular state with no official religion, its unwritten constitution and key legislation like the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Human Rights Act 1993 strongly affirm the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This includes the right to hold, change, and express one's religious or ethical beliefs, and crucially, the right not to hold a belief.
- Anti-Discrimination Laws: The Human Rights Act 1993 explicitly prohibits discrimination based on religious and ethical belief across various domains, including employment, business, and access to public facilities. This legal protection provides a crucial safeguard against religious prejudice.
- Emphasis on Religious Tolerance: New Zealand's multicultural society generally fosters an environment of religious tolerance. While challenges and instances of discrimination can still occur, particularly online, there are active efforts by government bodies like the Human Rights Commission and community organizations to promote understanding and counter religious intolerance.
- Diverse Religious Landscape: New Zealand is home to a wide array of religious communities. While historically predominantly Christian, recent decades have seen a significant increase in affiliations with non-Christian religions, driven by immigration. This growing diversity further highlights the importance and success of its inclusive policies.
Religious Affiliation in New Zealand (2023 Census)
The religious landscape of New Zealand continues to evolve. While a significant portion of the population identifies as having no religion, the country embraces and protects the rights of all its diverse faith communities.
| Religion | Number (2023 Census) | Percentage (2023 Census) |
| No religion | 2,580,000 | 51.6% |
| Christianity | 1,620,555 | 32.3% |
| Hinduism | 144,771 | 2.9% |
| Islam | 75,144 | 1.5% |
| Māori Indigenous Religions, Beliefs and Philosophies | 66,051 | 1.3% |
| Buddhism | 57,135 | 1.1% |
| Sikhism | 53,406 | 1.1% |
| Judaism | 5,301 | 0.1% |
| Other Religions | 60,000+ | 1.2% |
| Religion not stated | 345,000+ | 6.9% |
Source: 2023 New Zealand Census Data (Stats NZ)
The increasing diversity, particularly the growth of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, demonstrates the dynamic nature of New Zealand's religious landscape. Despite this evolving demographic, the nation's consistent high ranking in religious inclusivity suggests a successful approach to ensuring that people of all faiths and none can live freely and participate equally in society.
Portugal: A Model for Religious Freedom and Inclusion
Portugal has emerged as a leading nation in fostering religious inclusivity, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to freedom of conscience and worship. Its progressive legal framework and societal embrace of diversity have earned it a prominent position in global assessments of inclusiveness.
The Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) Inclusiveness Index from the University of California, Berkeley, highlights Portugal's exemplary performance. In the most recent available data, Portugal secured an impressive 11th place globally for religious inclusivity, with a score of 92.68. This contributes significantly to its overall 2nd place ranking as one of the most inclusive countries in the world.
Pillars of Religious Inclusivity in Portugal
Portugal's success in cultivating a religiously inclusive environment is built upon several key foundations:
- Constitutional Guarantees: The Portuguese Constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of religion and worship, prohibiting discrimination based on religious belief. This fundamental right cannot be violated, even during a state of emergency.
- Comprehensive Religious Freedom Law (2001): This landmark legislation solidifies the rights and duties of religious groups in Portugal. It ensures equal treatment for all religious communities, including those traditionally in the minority, granting them similar privileges previously reserved mainly for the Catholic Church. These include rights related to ministering in public institutions (prisons, hospitals, military), providing religious education in public schools, accessing public broadcasting time, and national recognition of religious holidays.
- Secular State with Dialogue: Portugal maintains a secular state, meaning there is no official religion. However, the government actively promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding through bodies like the Religious Freedom Commission (CLR) and the High Commission for Migration (ACM). These institutions advocate for religious tolerance and combat discrimination.
- Historical Evolution of Tolerance: While Portugal has a complex history with periods of religious intolerance (notably the Inquisition), the modern state has moved decisively towards a pluralistic approach. Laws passed in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly the 1976 constitution and the 2001 Religious Freedom Law, have dismantled discriminatory practices and enshrined religious liberty.
Religious Affiliation in Portugal (2021 Census Data)
Portugal's religious landscape, while still predominantly Catholic, reflects a growing diversity, particularly with the influx of immigrants. The legal framework ensures that all these communities can practice their faith freely.
| Religion | Number (2021 Census) | Percentage (2021 Census) |
| Roman Catholic | 7,043,016 | 70.4% |
| No Religion | 1,237,130 | 12.4% |
| Protestant | 186,832 | 1.9% |
| Orthodox | 60,381 | 0.6% |
| Jehovah's Witnesses | 63,609 | 0.6% |
| Islam | 36,480 | 0.4% |
| Hinduism | 19,471 | 0.2% |
| Buddhism | 16,757 | 0.2% |
| Other Christian | 90,948 | 0.9% |
| Other Non-Christian | 24,366 | 0.2% |
| Judaism | 2,910 | <0.1% |
| Not Stated / Unknown | 1,073,630 | 10.7% |
Source: Statistics Portugal, 2021 Census (Data for population aged 15 and over)
Portugal's consistently high ranking in religious inclusivity demonstrates its successful efforts in safeguarding religious freedom and fostering an environment where people of all beliefs can coexist and contribute to society. While challenges related to emerging forms of discrimination or societal integration may still arise, the nation's robust legal framework and commitment to dialogue provide a strong foundation for continued progress.
Religious Inclusivity in Malta: Navigating a Catholic Identity with Growing Diversity
Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean, holds a unique position regarding religious inclusivity. While its constitution enshrines Roman Catholicism as the state religion, the country also guarantees and generally respects the freedom of conscience and worship for all its inhabitants. This dual characteristic shapes its approach to religious diversity and inclusion.
The Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) Inclusiveness Index from the University of California, Berkeley, provides a valuable lens through which to view Malta's performance. In the most recent available data, Malta ranks a respectable 28th globally for religious inclusivity, with a score of 85.85. This contributes to its overall 9th place ranking as one of the most inclusive countries in the world. This indicates a strong foundation for religious freedom, even within a constitutionally Catholic context.
Balancing Tradition and Pluralism: Malta's Approach to Religious Inclusivity
Malta's journey towards religious inclusivity involves a careful balance between its deep-rooted Catholic heritage and the increasing religious diversity driven by immigration and evolving societal norms. Key aspects of its approach include:
- Constitutional Provisions: While Article 2 of the Constitution declares Roman Catholicism as the religion of Malta, Article 40 simultaneously ensures "full freedom of conscience and enjoy the free exercise of their respective mode of religious worship" for all persons. Article 45 further prohibits state discrimination based on religion.
- Freedom of Worship and Assembly: All religious groups are permitted to organize, operate places of worship, and conduct religious functions. There are no legal requirements for religious groups to register, and they generally enjoy the freedom to manage their internal affairs.
- Religious Education in State Schools: Catholic religious teaching is mandated in state schools as part of compulsory education. However, constitutional and legal provisions allow students to opt out of these classes with parental consent (if under 16) and take ethics courses instead, if available.
- Anti-Incitement Laws: The criminal code prohibits incitement of religious hatred, with penalties for violators. It also prohibits disturbing religious services of any religion "tolerated by law," which is interpreted to include all religions.
- Evolving Societal Attitudes: While Catholicism remains deeply ingrained in Maltese culture, there's a growing awareness and acceptance of other faiths, particularly with the increase in foreign nationals living in Malta. Interfaith dialogue is encouraged by government and civil society organizations.
Despite these protections, some nuances exist due to the constitutional prominence of Catholicism, such as specific laws regarding the vilification of religions, where vilifying the Roman Catholic religion carries a slightly higher potential penalty than other religions. However, in practice, the government generally enforces laws in a way that respects the religious freedom of all groups.
Religious Demographics in Malta (2021 Census)
Malta's religious landscape is shifting, with a notable increase in non-Catholic Christian denominations and other religions, alongside a growing number of individuals identifying as having no religion.
| Religion | Number (2021 Census) | Percentage (2021 Census) |
| Roman Catholic | 418,506 | 82.6% |
| No Religion | 25,972 | 5.1% |
| Islam | 19,777 | 3.9% |
| Eastern Orthodox | 18,255 | 3.6% |
| Hinduism | 7,208 | 1.4% |
| Church of England | 6,368 | 1.3% |
| Other Christian | 5,082 | 1.0% |
| Buddhism | 2,525 | 0.5% |
| Jehovah's Witnesses | 1,732 | 0.3% |
| Judaism | 1,327 | 0.3% |
| Other Religions | 1,073 | 0.2% |
| Religion not stated | 25,274 | 5.0% |
Source: National Statistics Office (NSO) Malta, 2021 Census of Population and Housing
Malta's ability to maintain a high level of overall inclusiveness, including for religion, despite its strong religious identity, serves as an interesting case study. It demonstrates that a nation can uphold its cultural and religious heritage while simultaneously providing substantial freedom and protection for minority faiths. Continued efforts in interfaith dialogue and addressing any remaining subtle forms of discrimination will further solidify Malta's position as a religiously inclusive society.
Religious Inclusivity in Ireland: A Journey Towards Pluralism
Ireland, a nation with a historically strong Catholic identity, has made significant strides in fostering religious inclusivity and diversity in recent decades. This evolution reflects both legal reforms and changing societal attitudes, moving towards a more pluralistic and welcoming environment for all faiths and none.
The Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) Inclusiveness Index from the University of California, Berkeley, provides a robust assessment of Ireland's progress. In the most recent available data, Ireland ranks commendably at 31st globally for religious inclusivity, with a score of 84.22. This contributes to its overall 12th place ranking as one of the most inclusive countries worldwide. This demonstrates a strong commitment to religious freedom and a successful adaptation to its increasingly diverse population.
Key Aspects of Religious Inclusivity in Ireland
Ireland's journey toward greater religious inclusivity is marked by several important developments:
- Constitutional Guarantees: The Irish Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and the free profession and practice of religion, subject to public order and morality. It explicitly prohibits discrimination based on religion and states that the State shall not "endow any religion," signifying its secular stance despite historical ties to the Catholic Church.
- Anti-Discrimination Legislation: The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 broadly prohibit discrimination on nine grounds, including religion, across various sectors such as employment, education, and access to goods and services. This provides a strong legal framework for addressing religious discrimination.
- Evolution of Religious Education: While religious instruction, primarily Catholic, is part of the curriculum in most state-funded primary schools, the law allows parents to opt their children out. Significant reforms, particularly the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, have largely prohibited religious discrimination in school admissions, a crucial step in ensuring equitable access to education for children of all backgrounds.
- Growing Diversity and Interfaith Dialogue: Ireland's population has become increasingly diverse, with significant growth in non-Catholic Christian denominations, Islam, Hinduism, and other faiths. This demographic shift has fostered greater interfaith dialogue and understanding, with various community and government initiatives promoting religious tolerance.
- Addressing Hate Speech and Discrimination: The law forbids incitement of others to hatred based on religion. While incidents of hate speech related to religion are still reported, there are ongoing efforts to enhance legislation and awareness regarding hate crimes and discrimination, reflecting a commitment to protecting minority religious groups.
Religious Affiliation in Ireland (2022 Census Data)
The 2022 Census for Ireland vividly illustrates the changing religious landscape, with a significant decrease in those identifying as Roman Catholic and a notable rise in those with no religion, as well as an increase in minority faiths.
| Religion | Number (2022 Census) | Percentage (2022 Census) |
| Roman Catholic | 3,515,861 | 69.1% |
| No Religion | 736,210 | 14.8% |
| Church of Ireland (Anglican) | 124,749 | 2.5% |
| Orthodox (Greek, Coptic, Russian) | 100,165 | 2.0% |
| Islam | 81,930 | 1.6% |
| Christian (Not Specified) | 37,370 | 0.7% |
| Hindu | 33,043 | 0.7% |
| Presbyterian | 22,699 | 0.4% |
| Buddhist | 9,053 | 0.2% |
| Jehovah's Witness | 6,332 | 0.1% |
| Methodist, Wesleyan | 5,106 | 0.1% |
| Other Religions | 21,220 | 0.4% |
| Religion not stated | 339,562 | 6.7% |
Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO) Ireland, Census of Population 2022
Ireland's strong performance in religious inclusivity on the OBI index, alongside its evolving religious demographics, demonstrates a successful transition from a largely homogenous religious society to one that increasingly values and protects the rights and freedoms of all its diverse spiritual and non-religious communities. Challenges remain, particularly in fully de-coupling the state from religious institutions in certain areas, but the overall trend points towards a continuously more inclusive future.
Slovenia: Upholding Religious Freedom in a Diverse Landscape
Slovenia, a Central European nation with a history shaped by various cultural and political influences, has established a strong foundation for religious inclusivity. Its legal framework ensures the separation of church and state while guaranteeing fundamental freedoms of conscience and religion for all citizens. This commitment is reflected in its strong performance on international inclusivity indices.
The Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) Inclusiveness Index from the University of California, Berkeley, consistently highlights Slovenia's robust approach to inclusion across various dimensions. In the most recent available data, Slovenia ranks an impressive 43rd globally for religious inclusivity, with a score of 81.88. This contributes to its overall 6th place ranking as one of the most inclusive countries in the world. This indicates a strong respect for religious diversity and a commitment to protecting the rights of all religious communities.
Cornerstones of Religious Inclusivity in Slovenia
Slovenia's success in fostering a religiously inclusive environment is built upon several key principles:
- Constitutional Guarantees and Separation of Church and State: The Slovenian Constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of conscience and religion. It clearly states that there is no official religion and that the state is neutral in matters of belief, recognizing the equality and independence of all religious groups. This separation is fundamental to ensuring fair treatment for all faiths.
- Anti-Discrimination Laws: Slovenian law broadly prohibits discrimination based on religion. The penal code's definition of hate crimes includes publicly provoking religious hatred and diminishing the significance of the Holocaust,
1 with penalties for such offenses. This provides legal recourse for individuals experiencing religious discrimination or hate. - Freedom of Worship and Registration: All religious communities have the right to freely select and express their beliefs, individually or in groups, privately or publicly. While religious groups can register with the government to obtain certain privileges (like tax exemptions on property used for religious purposes or co-financing of social security for religious employees), unregistered groups are also free to operate and engage in religious activities.
- Religious Instruction in Public Schools: The government requires all public schools to include education on world religions in their curricula, delivered by regular teachers. Religious groups are also allowed to provide voluntary religious instruction in public schools outside of regular school hours.
- Ongoing Dialogue and Challenges: While generally inclusive, some specific practices have presented challenges for certain religious minorities, such as the legal requirement for animals to be stunned prior to slaughter (impacting halal and kosher practices) and inconsistent availability of male circumcision for non-medical reasons in public hospitals. The government has shown willingness to review such laws and engage in dialogue with affected communities.
Religious Demographics in Slovenia (Selected Data)
Slovenia's religious landscape is diverse, with Roman Catholicism remaining the largest faith group, but with significant proportions of non-religious individuals and growing minority communities.
| Religion | Percentage (approx.) |
| Roman Catholic | 60-70% |
| No Religion | 14-35% |
| Eastern Orthodox | 2-4% |
| Islam | 1-3% |
| Protestant (Lutheran) | ~1% |
| Other Religions (incl. Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism) | <1% |
Note: Religious demographic data for Slovenia can vary slightly across sources (e.g., census vs. surveys, and due to how "no religion" is categorized). The above represents approximate figures based on recent reports.
Slovenia's position as a highly inclusive country, particularly in the realm of religion, underscores its successful efforts in balancing national identity with respect for pluralism. Its robust legal framework and commitment to protecting religious freedom provide a strong foundation for continued progress in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their beliefs, can thrive and participate fully in Slovenian society.
Forging Inclusive Societies: A Global Pursuit of Religious Harmony
The analyses of New Zealand, Portugal, Malta, Ireland, and Slovenia, anchored by data from the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) Inclusiveness Index, reveal a compelling narrative: the global pursuit of religious inclusivity is a multifaceted and dynamic endeavor. While each nation possesses a unique historical, cultural, and political context that shapes its approach, a common thread of commitment to religious freedom and anti-discrimination emerges among the leaders in this vital aspect of societal inclusion.
New Zealand stands out as a global exemplar, demonstrating that a deep-seated commitment to human rights and multiculturalism can create an environment where religious diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated. Its consistently high ranking underscores the power of robust legal frameworks, active promotion of social cohesion, and a secular state that genuinely protects all beliefs.
Portugal similarly shines, showcasing how a nation with a strong Catholic heritage can successfully transition to a modern, secular state that champions comprehensive religious freedom. Its landmark Religious Freedom Law of 2001 serves as a model for how governments can ensure equitable treatment and rights for all religious communities, fostering a truly pluralistic society.
Malta presents an intriguing case study, demonstrating that even a country with a constitutionally enshrined state religion can achieve a high degree of religious inclusivity. Its ability to balance deep-rooted traditions with constitutional guarantees for freedom of worship and evolving anti-discrimination laws highlights a pragmatic approach to accommodating growing religious diversity.
Ireland's journey is particularly illustrative of significant transformation. Having emerged from a history deeply intertwined with a dominant religious identity, Ireland has actively reformed its legal and educational systems to ensure greater fairness and equality for all faiths. Its strong commitment to anti-discrimination and the fostering of interfaith dialogue are critical to its progressive standing.
Finally, Slovenia exemplifies how a country with a strong separation of church and state can effectively build a highly inclusive religious landscape. Its comprehensive constitutional protections and anti-discrimination laws, coupled with a pragmatic approach to religious education, underscore a commitment to neutrality and equal treatment for all religious and non-religious citizens.
Collectively, these countries illustrate that religious inclusivity is not a static achievement but an ongoing process requiring continuous vigilance, adaptation, and a proactive commitment to protecting fundamental human rights. The OBI Inclusiveness Index serves as a crucial barometer, highlighting not only which nations are leading the way but also providing valuable insights into the policies and societal values that foster environments where individuals of all faiths and beliefs can truly belong and thrive. As global societies become increasingly diverse, the lessons learned from these inclusive nations will be invaluable in forging a future of greater understanding, respect, and harmony.