The Right of Religious Institution to Acquire Legal Personality in Ethiopia: Emphasis on the New Proclamation to Provide Legal Personality to Ethiopian Islamic Affairs General Council

Abstract

Besides, the separation of the teachings of each religion and the way religions organize their followers complicates matters, historical contexts make it different for how religions are recognized and legitimate. Countries accept the principles of freedom of religion and state separation of religion, but the application of these principles varies from country to country. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a legal body per Article 398 of the Ethiopian Civil Code, while other faith organizations have access to the statutory body at the registration of the relevant government. Therefore, this paper comparatively examines a legal framework which is prepared by the Ministry of Peace to address these gaps and related questions of the Muslim community, and how Ethiopia recognizes and governs religious institutions that are closely linked to their history. Thus, it concludes that, with the long history of Islam in Ethiopia, and the number of adherents of the religion, it would be appropriate to proclaim by the legislature rather than on the registration of ordinary institution.

Keywords: Religious institution, registration, legal personality, Islam, Proclamation, Ethiopian Legal framework.

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-10-03

Publication date:October 31^st 2020