Breaking Down Religion in Serbia: The Untold Side

Who: The primary religious actors in Serbia are the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), the majority religious institution, and various minority religious communities including Roman Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and others. The Serbian government, through its Ministry of Justice, also plays a role in regulating religious affairs and recognizing religious communities. Individuals, of course, are the ultimate carriers and practitioners of faith.

What: Religion in Serbia is a complex tapestry woven with historical, political, and social threads. While often presented as a monolithic Orthodox nation, Serbia’s religious landscape includes significant diversity, historical tensions, and evolving dynamics. This explainer delves into the often-overlooked aspects of this multifaceted reality, examining the status of minority religions, the role of religion in politics, and the challenges faced by religious freedom advocates. It moves beyond the dominant narrative to explore the ‘untold side’ of religious life in Serbia.

When: The roots of Serbian Orthodoxy trace back to the 9th century, with the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church established in 1219. Ottoman rule (15th-19th centuries) significantly impacted the religious demographics, introducing Islam and leading to religious tensions. The 20th century, marked by wars and communist rule, saw periods of both religious repression and revival. Today, Serbia’s religious landscape continues to evolve in the context of EU accession efforts and ongoing societal changes. The most recent census in 2022 showed that 80.57% of the population declared themselves as Orthodox Christians.

Where: Geographically, the SPC's influence is strongest in Serbia proper, Kosovo (where it faces significant challenges in protecting its properties and monasteries), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (particularly in Republika Srpska). Minority religious communities are concentrated in specific regions. For instance, Vojvodina, with its historical ties to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is home to significant Catholic and Protestant populations. Muslim communities are primarily found in the Sandžak region, bordering Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The legal framework governing religious freedom applies across the entire territory of Serbia.

Why: Understanding the nuances of religion in Serbia is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it challenges simplistic narratives and promotes a more accurate portrayal of the country’s diverse social fabric. Secondly, religion plays a significant role in shaping Serbian identity, culture, and politics. Thirdly, issues related to religious freedom and interreligious dialogue are essential for Serbia’s progress towards European integration. Finally, exploring the "untold side" helps to address potential sources of discrimination, prejudice, and conflict, fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Historical Context: The historical narrative surrounding religion in Serbia is often dominated by the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in preserving national identity during periods of foreign rule, particularly under the Ottomans. This historical association has imbued the SPC with significant cultural and political influence. However, this narrative often overshadows the experiences of minority religious communities who faced periods of discrimination and marginalization.

The Ottoman period witnessed conversions to Islam, particularly in regions like Sandžak and Kosovo. The Habsburg Empire's expansion into parts of present-day Serbia brought Catholicism and Protestantism, leading to the development of diverse religious communities in Vojvodina. The communist era (1945-1990) saw the suppression of all religious institutions, including the SPC, although the level of repression varied over time. After the collapse of communism, religion experienced a resurgence, but this also brought challenges related to interreligious relations and the rise of religious nationalism.

Current Developments: Several key developments are shaping the religious landscape of Serbia today.

• EU Accession: Serbia's efforts to join the European Union require it to uphold standards of religious freedom and ensure the protection of minority rights. The European Commission regularly monitors Serbia's progress in these areas, highlighting both positive developments and areas of concern. The 2022 report noted improvements in the legal framework but also pointed to the need for greater implementation and enforcement.


• Relationship between State and Church: The SPC enjoys a privileged position in Serbian society, often seen as a key partner of the state. This close relationship raises concerns about the separation of church and state and the potential for discrimination against minority religious communities.


• Interreligious Dialogue: While there are formal mechanisms for interreligious dialogue in Serbia, tensions and misunderstandings persist. The legacy of the wars of the 1990s continues to affect interreligious relations, particularly between Orthodox Christians and Muslims. Initiatives promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation are crucial for building trust and reconciliation.


• Challenges to Religious Freedom: Minority religious communities continue to face challenges in exercising their religious freedom, including difficulties in obtaining building permits for places of worship, instances of hate speech and discrimination, and concerns about the protection of religious sites.


• Kosovo: The status of Serbian Orthodox monasteries and churches in Kosovo remains a sensitive issue. The SPC accuses Kosovo authorities of failing to adequately protect these sites, while Kosovo argues that it is committed to preserving religious heritage.

Data Points:

• 2022 Census: 80.57% of the population declared themselves as Orthodox Christians, 5.02% as Roman Catholics, 1.14% as Protestants, and 3.11% as Muslims. A significant portion, 9.97% declared themselves atheist, agnostic or did not declare their religion.


• Freedom House Report: Freedom House consistently rates Serbia as "partly free" in terms of religious freedom, citing concerns about government interference in religious affairs and instances of discrimination.


• OSCE Reports: The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) monitors religious freedom in Serbia and publishes reports highlighting challenges and recommendations for improvement.

Likely Next Steps:

• Legal Reforms: Further reforms to the Law on Churches and Religious Communities are likely, aimed at ensuring greater equality and transparency in the registration and operation of religious organizations.


• Strengthening Interreligious Dialogue: Initiatives to promote interreligious dialogue and cooperation will continue, with a focus on addressing historical grievances and building trust between different religious communities.


• Addressing Hate Speech: Efforts to combat hate speech and discrimination against religious minorities are likely to intensify, including through law enforcement and public awareness campaigns.


• Protecting Religious Sites: Increased attention will be given to protecting religious sites, particularly in Kosovo, through enhanced security measures and diplomatic efforts.


• EU Monitoring: The European Commission will continue to monitor Serbia's progress in upholding religious freedom and minority rights as part of the EU accession process.

In conclusion, understanding religion in Serbia requires moving beyond simplistic narratives and acknowledging the country's diverse religious landscape, historical complexities, and ongoing challenges. By addressing the "untold side" of religious life, Serbia can foster a more inclusive and tolerant society that respects the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. This will be critical for its future development and its integration into the European Union.