Religion in Singapore

To their credit the Singaporean government insists on respect and tolerance for all. No one religion, practice or belief is considered more important or superior to another. However two religions have been banned or restricted in Singapore namely the Unification Church (Moonies) which is considered to be a cult and Jehovah's Witnesses as they refuse to allow their members to do mandatory military service.

The government does not tolerate actions or speech that it deems could adversely affect racial or religious harmony. People are encouraged to respect the beliefs of others. The constitution protects freedom of religion but the government does not tolerate publications, actions or speech that it deems could adversely affect religious or racial harmony. Children are taught in their social studies classes about the Maria Hertogh riots and the 1964 Race Riots. This serves as a reminder of the negative impact of inter-religious conflict. In schools classes are mixed race and therefore mixed religious beliefs. This encourages celebration of different religious beliefs and tolerance for all.

 

Religious public holidays allow each major religion to honour their most important celebrations. City streets are decorated, festivals are held and general celebrations are encouraged for all major holidays such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Diwali and Christmas.

According to the 2016 census religion in Singapore can be broken down as follows:

Buddhism 33.2%

Taoism and folk religion 11%

None 18.3%

Christianity 18.8%

Islam 14%

Hinduism 5 %

Sikhism or other religion .6%