Twelve religious groups but no new religious organizations registered with the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the MOJ, for a total of 810 religious groups and 190 religious organizations registered.
The Greek Orthodox Church initiated discussions with the government regarding the Palacio de Casamento building seized from the Church after independence. The building is a historical icon, and the Greek Orthodox archbishop stated that the Church wanted the building returned. While provincial governments were responsible for establishing a process for property restitution, the Directorate of Religious Affairs had a mandate to address the general issue.
Some members of the Muslim community sought permission to wear the headscarf in photos for identity documents; however, the government did not address the legality of wearing the headscarf in photos for identity documents or the wearing of the veil or burqa in public schools, and Muslim community leaders did not raise this issue during the year.
In May, Minister of Justice Benvinda Levi presided over the reopening of a renovated Jewish synagogue with a speech praising religious freedom in the country. The ceremony was well attended by members of Maputo’s interfaith community, including local leaders of Muslim, Greek-Orthodox, Anglican, and traditional religions.