Religious registration

Blessing or curse for the Church in the Middle East?

Abstract

Religious registration is the concept that each citizen is assigned a religion at birth which is recorded on official legal documents, notably birth certificates and identity cards, and also within government computer systems. In many countries, the registra- tion cannot be changed to reflect an individual’s decision to follow another faith.

Having worked for Middle East Concern (MEC) for nine years, I have seen many individuals adversely affected by the religious registration system. MEC regards this as an important structural issue underlying numerous cases of religious persecu- tion in Middle Eastern countries.

The issues are different for those whose religious registration is “Christian”. For some, problems arise because their religious registration is changed, including by administrative error, and reverting can be problematic. We must note that there are benefits, notably an affirmation of identity and belonging to a defined community, as well as problems.

I am exploring a PhD thesis that would examine the impact of religious registration on the Christian communities of the Middle East. What are the benefits and challenges for legally recognised churches? What impacts are there on converts to Christianity? How is the Christian faith spread? How is the Church of Jesus maintained?