Religious Beliefs and Spirituality in Moldova

The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and maintains the separation of church and state. Generally, the government respects this right however, the law also restricts and prohibits the activities of some religious groups. Various religious groups deal amicably with each other although disputes arise among the several branches of the Christian Orthodox. There are reports of members of Jehovah’s Witnesses being harassed by some members of the Orthodox Church and town councils.

Around 90% of the population is Christian, specifically of the Eastern Orthodox faith. There are two churches within the Eastern Orthodox community. The Chisinau and Moldova metropolis belong to the Russian Orthodox and while the Bessarabia metropolis belong to the Romanian Orthodox. The Russian Orthodox has more than 1,000 parishes while the Romanian has more than a 100 parishes. Aside from the two, there are also followers of the Old Rite Russian Orthodox practicing their faith in the country. Their number makes up at least 3 to 4% of the country’s population. The Eastern Orthodox tradition is well embedded in the minds of the population. Atheists even celebrate religious holidays and partake in the local tradition.

Aside from the Eastern Orthodox, other faith includes Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Roman Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims and Jews.

The law on religious freedom was amended in 2002 but many of the restrictions from the old 1992 law still remain in force. These provisions include that a religious group must first register with the government. Those groups that will not register are prohibited from owning properties, hiring employees or even a space in public cemeteries.