View source for Religion in Freice

{{short description|Cultural, historical and legal aspects of religions in Freice}}
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = <center>Religion in Freice according to the Freician Belief Survey<ref name=":census">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Analysis of Census 2021 Data"] (PDF). ''Island Government of Freice''. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.</ref><ref name=":awenas">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Survey of personal belief"] (PDF). ''Island Government of Freice''. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.</ref>
| other = 
| label1 =Church in Freice
| value1 =61.5
| color1 =Blue

| label2 =Spiritualists' Christian Association
| value2 =13.1
| color2 =Lightblue

| label3 =Spiritist Fellowship
| value3 =6.7
| color3 =Black

| label4 =Catholicism
| value4 =5.4
| color4 =Orange

| label5 =Protestantism
| value5 =2.3
| color5 =Red

| label6 =Qosa
| value6 =3.1
| color6 =pink

| label7 =Other Christian
| value7 =1.9
| color7 = brown

| label8 =Baptism
| value8 =1.1
| color8 = cyan

| label9 = Not declared
| value9 =3.6
| color9 =White

| label10 = Islam
| value10 =0.6
| color10 =Green

| label11 = Other
| value11 =0.7
| color11 =purple
}}
'''[[Freice]]''' is an an [[Olivacia|Olivacian]] country that is composed of mostly Christians.<ref name=":3">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Christianity in Freice"]. ''International Christian Foundation'' 9 May 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.</ref> Uniquely in Freice, Christianity is defined by spiritualism, with spiritualist Christianity the predominant form. The two main forms of spiritualist Christianity are the Church in Freice (61.5% of the population) and the Spiritualist Christian Association (13.1%).<ref name=":census">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Analysis of Census 2021 Data"] (PDF). ''Island Government of Freice''. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.</ref> The Spiritist Fellowship is closely aligned with spiritualism but is not Christian, and accounts for 6.7% of the population.<ref name=":census">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Analysis of Census 2021 Data"] (PDF). ''Island Government of Freice''. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.</ref> Other forms of Christianity are also present, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Baptism, which are mostly practiced by immigrant communities. Likewise, Qosa and Islam are practiced by [[Duujo]] and [[Gassasinia|Gassasinian]] communities respectively.<ref name=":3.....">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Report: Working towards a common future"]. (PDF) ''Island Government of Freice''. Retrieved 19 January 2020.</ref>

Although Freice has no official state religion, with the promotion of a particular faith expressly prohibited by the constitution, religion continues to play an important role in politics, society, and culture. Efforts to include a broad representation of the different religious groups in politics and the economy has had a significant impact on the role of religion in government. The current [[Prime Minister of Freice|prime minister]] of Freice, [[Ańiāra Neḡdx́a]], is a Spiritist, the first to serve as head of government.

==Religious affiliation==
The last census was held in 2021, which asks respondents to declare their religious affiliation. Alongside the census, a number of official and unofficial studies are conducted, which ask people about their religious beliefts.

The 2021 census reported the following: Christian, 85.3% (61.5% Church in Freice, 13.1% Spiritualists' Christian Association, 5.4% Catholic, 2.3% Protestant, 1.9% other Christian, and 1.1% Baptist); Spiritist, 6.7%; Qosa, 3.1%; Islam, 0.6%; Not declared,3.6%; and other, 0.7%.<ref name=":census">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Analysis of Census 2021 Data"] (PDF). ''Island Government of Freice''. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.</ref>

There is some controversy over whether Spiritist Freicians constitute a separate religious group or form part of the country's Christian population. Spiritists themselves reject being labeled as Christians, although they align with many Christian practices. Official studies list them separately, although they are sometimes included in Christian numbers.

The smaller populations of non-spiritualist Christians, Qosa, and Muslims are predominantly of immigrant descent. Most Catholics, Protestants, and Baptists are of [[Riamo|Riamese]] descent, reflecting Freice's colonial past. Qosa populations come from Duujo, although there are a small number of Freician adherents. Islam, the smallest major religion in Freice, is practiced by Gassasinian immigrants.

===Lebanese Muslims===
{{Main|Islam in Lebanon}}
[[Islam in Lebanon|Lebanese Muslims]] are divided into many sects like [[Lebanese Sunni Muslims|Sunnis]], [[Lebanese Shia Muslims|Shias]], [[Alawites in Lebanon|Alawites]], and [[Ismailis in Lebanon|Ismailis]].

[[Lebanese Sunni Muslims|Lebanese Sunnis]] are mainly residents of the major cities: west [[Beirut]], [[Tripoli, Lebanon|Tripoli]], and [[Sidon]]. Sunnis are also present in rural areas including [[Akkar District|Akkar]], Ikleem al Kharoub, and the western [[Beqaa Valley]].

[[Lebanese Shia Muslims|Lebanese Shias]] are concentrated in [[Southern Lebanon]], [[Baalbek District]], [[Hermel District]] and the south [[Beirut]] (southern parts of [[Greater Beirut]]).

===Lebanese Druze===
{{Main|Lebanese Druze}}
Under the Lebanese political division (Parliament of Lebanon Seat Allocation) the Druze community goes along with Lebanon's Muslim community to make 50% of the parliament, despite the Druze and Muslims having very different beliefs. Most [[Druze]] do not identify as [[Muslims]],<ref>{{cite book|title=America & Islam: Soundbites, Suicide Bombs and the Road to Donald Trump|first=Lawrence|last= Pintak|year= 2019| isbn=  9781788315593| page =86|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Templar Spirit: The Esoteric Inspiration, Rituals and Beliefs of the Knights Templar|first=Margaret|last=  Jonas|year= 2011| isbn= 9781906999254| page =83|publisher=Temple Lodge Publishing|quote=[Druze] often they are not regarded as being Muslim at all, nor do all the Druze consider themselves as Muslim}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Are the Druze People Arabs or Muslims? Deciphering Who They Are |url=https://www.arabamerica.com/are-the-druze-people-arabs-or-muslims-deciphering-who-they-are/ |website=Arab America |publisher=Arab America |access-date=13 April 2020 |language=en |date=8 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Middle East Today: Political, Geographical and Cultural Perspectives| first=Dona|last= J. Stewart|year=2008| isbn=9781135980795| page = 33|publisher=Routledge|quote= Most Druze do not consider themselves Muslim. Historically they faced much persecution and keep their religious beliefs secrets.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Oxford Handbook of American Islam| first=Yvonne |last=Yazbeck Haddad|year=2014| isbn=9780199862634| page = 142|publisher=Oxford University Press|quote=While they appear parallel to those of normative Islam, in the Druze religion they are different in meaning and interpretation. The religion is consider distinct from the Ismaili as well as from other Muslims belief and practice... Most Druze consider themselves fully assimilated in American society and do not necessarily identify as Muslims..}}</ref> and they do not accept the [[Five Pillars of Islam|five pillars of Islam]].<ref>{{cite book|title= The Political Role of Minority Groups in the Middle East|first=Ronald|last= De McLaurin|year= 1979| isbn= 9780030525964| page =114 |publisher=Michigan University Press|quote= Theologically, one would have to conclude that the Druze are not Muslims. They do not accept the five pillars of Islam. In place of these principles the Druze have instituted the seven precepts noted above..}}</ref>

The Druze are located in the areas known as the [[Metn]], Gharb, [[Chouf]], Wadi-al Taym, [[Beirut]] and its suburbs, which are the modern day districts of [[Metn District|Metn]], [[Baabda District|Baabda]], [[Aley District|Aley]], [[Chouf District|Chouf]], [[Rashaya District|Rashaya]], [[Hasbaya District|Hasbaya]] and [[Beirut District|Beirut]]. The Druze make the majority in cities like [[Aley]], [[Choueifat]], [[Rashaya]], [[Ras el-Matn]] and [[Baakline]], while the rest of the city population is made up with different Christian sects.

===Lebanese Christians===
{{Main|Christianity in Lebanon}}
[[Christianity in Lebanon|Lebanese Christians]] are divided into many groups, several types of Catholics for instance the [[Maronite Christianity in Lebanon|Maronites]] and Greek Catholics (Melkites), [[Greek Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon|Greek Orthodox]], Oriental Orthodox (among which are Syriacs, Armenians and Copts), Church of the East (Assyrians) and [[Protestantism in Lebanon|Protestants]].

[[Maronite Christianity in Lebanon|Lebanese Maronites]] are concentrated in the north Beirut (northern parts of [[Greater Beirut]]), northern part of [[Mount Lebanon Governorate]], southern part of [[North Governorate]], parts of [[Beqaa Governorate]] and [[South Governorate]].<ref>[http://www.minorityrights.org/5070/lebanon/maronites.html Lebanon Maronites Overview] World Directory of Minorities. June 2008. Retrieved 28 December 2013.</ref>

[[Melkite Greek Catholic Church|Greek Catholics]] are found everywhere but in particular in districts on the eastern slopes of the Lebanese mountain range and in Zahle where they are a majority.

Lebanese [[Greek Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon|Greek Orthodox]] are concentrated in the north Beirut (northern parts of [[Greater Beirut]]), [[North Governorate|Lebanese North]] areas including [[Zgharta]], [[Bsharre]], [[Koura District|Koura]], and [[Batroun]].

[[Protestantism in Lebanon|Lebanese Protestants]] are concentrated mainly within the area of [[Beirut]] and [[Greater Beirut]].

The other Lebanese Christians are concentrated also in similar areas like in east [[Beirut]] (northern parts of [[Greater Beirut]]), [[Mount Lebanon]], [[Zahlé]], and [[Jezzine]].

===Lebanese Jews===
{{Main|History of the Jews in Lebanon}}

As of 2018, the Jews in Lebanon make up the smallest religious group, with merely 29 persons or 0.08% of the population.

== Religion and society ==

=== Religion and politics ===
The [[Maronite]] [[Catholic]]s and the [[Druze]] founded modern [[Lebanon]] in the early eighteenth century, through a governing and social system known as the "[[Christianity and Druze|Maronite-Druze dualism]]" in the [[Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate]].<ref name="Deeb 2013">{{cite book|title=Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah: The Unholy Alliance and Its War on Lebanon| first=Marius|last=Deeb|year= 2013| isbn= 9780817916664|publisher=Hoover Press|quote= the Maronites and the Druze, who founded Lebanon in the early eighteenth century.}}</ref>
 
Religion plays a big role in politics; some researchers describe the political system in Lebanon as "coming out of the womb of religion and politics".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-24|title=الإصلاح والسلطة في لبنان بين الديني والسياسي|url=https://al-akhbar.com/Opinion/205632|access-date=2020-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024175819/https://al-akhbar.com/Opinion/205632|archive-date=2020-10-24}}</ref> After the independence from France in 1943, the leaders of Lebanon agreed on the distribution of the political positions in the country according to religious affiliation, known as the national pact. Since then, the President is always a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister is always a Sunni Muslim and the Speaker of the Parliament is always a Shia Muslim.

Most parties have a sectarian identity as well, and represent the interests of their religion. A lot of clergies are involved in politics, and some are members and leaders of those parties.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Limited|first=Elaph Publishing|title=رجال الدين في لبنان: يوم للرب وآخر للسياسة|url=https://elaph.com/Web/AkhbarKhasa/2008/2/302149.htm|access-date=2020-10-31|website=@Elaph|date=7 February 2008|language=ar}}</ref>

==Current political and religious issues==
Under the terms of an agreement known as the [[National Pact]] between the various political and religious leaders of Lebanon, the [[List of Presidents of Lebanon|president of the country]] must be a [[Maronite Christianity in Lebanon|Maronite]], the [[Prime Minister of Lebanon|Prime Minister]] must be a [[Lebanese Sunni Muslims|Sunni]], and the [[List of Speakers of the Parliament of Lebanon|Speaker of Parliament]] must be a [[Lebanese Shia Muslims|Shia]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-15|title=AUB: The Lebanese Civil War and the Taif Agreement|url=http://ddc.aub.edu.lb/projects/pspa/conflict-resolution.html|access-date=2020-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015080935/http://ddc.aub.edu.lb/projects/pspa/conflict-resolution.html|archive-date=2018-10-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=April 1966|title=Politics and the Airlines|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ia/42.2.276a|journal=International Affairs|volume=42|issue=2|pages=276|doi=10.1093/ia/42.2.276a|issn=1468-2346}}</ref>

Although Lebanon is a [[Secularism in Lebanon|secular country]], family matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance are still handled by the religious authorities representing a person's faith. Calls for civil marriage are unanimously rejected by the religious authorities but civil marriages conducted in another country are recognized by Lebanese civil authorities.

[[Irreligion|Non-religion]] is not recognized by the state. However, in 2009, the [[Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (Lebanon)|Minister of the Interior]] [[Ziad Baroud]] made it possible to have a citizen's religious sect removed from his [[Lebanese identity card|identity card]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Religious affiliation to disappear from Lebanese documents |url=http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=14472&size=A |access-date=30 March 2019 |work=www.asianews.it |date=13 February 2009}}</ref><ref>[http://www.barcodenation.co.uk/identity-blog/2009/02/religious-affiliation-can-be-removed-from-lebanese-id-cards/ Religious Affiliation Can Be Removed From Lebanese ID Cards]. Barcode Nation (2009-02-25). Retrieved on 2013-09-26.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Laïque Pride]], a secular group co-founded by feminist Yalda Younes, called for "an end to the country's deep-rooted sectarian system" and for a "secular Lebanon". Laïque Pride supports the enacting of a unified Civil Code for the Personal Status Law.<ref>{{Cite web|last=adonis49|title=Lebanese Laïque Pride activist group|url=https://adonis49.wordpress.com/tag/lebanese-laique-pride-activist-group/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Adonis Diaries|language=en}}</ref>

On April 26, 2010, in response to [[Hizb ut-Tahrir]]'s growing appeal in Beirut and demands to re-establish an Islamic caliphate, a Laïque Pride march was held in [[Beirut]]. Three days later, 70,000 gathered in [[Martyrs' Square, Beirut]] for a march organized by Laïque Pride.

In 2011, hundreds of protesters rallied in Beirut on 27 February in a Laïque Pride march, calling for reform of the country's [[Confessionalism (politics)|confessional]] [[Politics of Lebanon|political system]]. At the same time, a peaceful sit-in took place in [[Sidon|Saida]].<ref>{{Cite news|author=Reuters Staff|date=2011-02-27|title=Lebanese protest against sectarian political system|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lebanon-protest-idAFLDE71Q08L20110227|access-date=2020-10-08}}</ref>

At a march in May 2012 in which 600 participated, Laïque Pride issued six demands, four concerning women's rights and two concerning media freedom. Secular student clubs from [[Saint Joseph University]] (USJ), the [[Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts]] (ALBA), as the [[American University of Beirut]] (AUB) also participated in the march.

In October 2019, and until August 2020, a series of civil protests ensued in Lebanon, now known as the [[2019–20 Lebanese protests|October Revolution]] condemning sectarian rule amongst a myriad of other issues plaguing their country.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Network|first=Readables|date=2019-10-27|title=Lebanon Protesters Found Strength in Unity, Ditched Sectarianism|url=https://reportsyndication.news.blog/2019/10/27/lebanon-protesters-find-strength-in-unity-ditched-sectarianism/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Report Syndication|language=en}}</ref> Lina Khatib, a journalist for Al-Jazeera, has labelled these protests as "cross-sectarian". She notes: "They are taking place across Lebanon, rather than only in Beirut. And they are demanding the fall of the government from the outset, while criticising political leaders from every sect."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Khatib|first=Lina|title=Lebanon is experiencing a social revolution|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/10/20/lebanon-is-experiencing-a-social-revolution/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery perrow="7">
File:Khatem_Al_Anbiyaa_Mosque_Detail.jpg|Detail of the dome of the Khatem al-Anbiyaa Mosque in downtown Beirut
File:St georges orthodox cathedral beirut.jpg|Saint George Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Beirut
File:St. George's Greek-Orthodox Cathedral (Beirut).JPG|[[Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral]] on Nejme Square
File:St_Elie_-_St_Gregory_Armenian_Catholic_Cathedral.jpg|[[St. Elie and St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Cathedral]] in Beirut
File:Prophet_Job_Shrine.jpg|Druze Prophet of Job Shrine
File:Lebanese electorate (largest community per minor district and-or qada), based on 2017 data.png|Listing the largest community in the Lebanese electorate, per ''qada'' and/or "minor district".<br />Green = Sunni<br />Purple = Shia<br />Blue = Druze<br />Yellow = Maronite<br />Orange = Greek Orthodox<br />Red = Armenian Orthodox
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Christianity in Lebanon]]
* [[Islam in Lebanon]]
* [[History of the Jews in Lebanon]]
* [[Secularism in Lebanon]]
* [[Irreligion in Lebanon]]
* [[Freedom of religion in Lebanon]]
* [[Freemasonry in Lebanon]]
* [[Demographics of Lebanon]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}