Global Restrictions on Religion in 2020: Impact of the Pandemic and Government Actions

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, governments and religious groups found themselves at odds over restrictions on religious gatherings. A recent study by Pew Research Center revealed that nearly a quarter of countries used force to prevent religious gatherings during the pandemic. This included arrests, detentions, physical assaults, property confiscations, and even killings in some cases.

The study, which analyzed 198 countries and territories, found that in 46 of them, government authorities resorted to physical means to enforce coronavirus-related restrictions on worship services and other religious gatherings. Detentions were the most common form of force used, with arrests made in 40 of the 46 countries where force was reported.

In addition to detentions, authorities in 11 countries resorted to physical assaults, while in 10 countries, property was confiscated or raids were carried out to shut down religious gatherings. In some extreme cases, religious figures were displaced or even killed in connection with pandemic-related restrictions.

Furthermore, the study also highlighted instances where governments blamed specific religious groups for the spread of the virus. In 18 countries, public officials singled out religious groups, linking them to the spread of COVID-19 and subjecting them to stigmatization and scapegoating.

On the other hand, the study also noted instances of cooperation between religious groups and governments in promoting public health measures. In 55 countries, authorities collaborated with religious leaders to stem the spread of the virus, while in 94 countries, religious groups themselves encouraged followers to worship at home, observe social distancing, and take other precautions.

Overall, the study found that while pandemic-related restrictions on religious gatherings were prevalent in 2020, other forms of government restrictions and social hostilities related to religion remained fairly stable at the global level. The findings shed light on the complex dynamics between governments, religious groups, and public health measures during a time of crisis.