Burundi
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Burundi -- Religion

The religions of Burundi are Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%, Muslim 1%.

Although the Burundi constitution guarantees religious freedom, several churches have been banned. The Jehovah's Witnesses and the Seventh-Day Adventists were banned because their doctrines challenged civil authority. For example, the Seventh-Day Adventists clashed with the government over the civil practice that requires all citizens to provide community service on Saturday mornings. In general, churches that challenge the government or call for reforms are harassed. The government does not allow services on weekdays or the display of religious symbols on buildings other than churches. The Catholic Church's access to the media has been under attack as their newspaper and radio broadcasts face frequent suspensions.

Source: Groeslsema, R. 1995. Burundians. In Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life.

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