Religion in Tuvalu

EKT began in 1861, became autonomous in 1968 and has its headquarters in Funafuti. It is the dominant religious institution at island and national level and operates Fetuvalu Secondary School. The 2022 census recorded Brethren at 3%, Seventh-day Adventists at 2%, Assemblies of God at 2%, and Catholic, Latter-day Saint, Jehovah's Witness and Bahá'í communities at 1% each. Other affiliations accounted for 2%, no religion for 0%, and 1% was not stated. Small Muslim and Baptist communities are also evidenced, although minority groups do not have the same nationwide institutional presence as EKT. The State Church (Declaration) Act recognises EKT as Tuvalu's state church. The Act gives EKT the same general powers, rights and privileges as other religious bodies; a special arrangement for services at major national events applies only when requested by the responsible minister. Tuvalu's constitutional framework refers to Christian principles, Tuvaluan values and culture, the rule of law and human dignity. It does not remove the constitutional protection for other religions. Religious freedom may be limited under the Constitution for public safety, public order, public morality or health, the rights of others, or protection from unsolicited intervention. The Constitution protects public and private worship, teaching, practice and observance, as well as changing religion and declining to worship. Religious leaders have a constitutional duty to respect island customs and traditions, promote unity, help people and respect different religions. EKT maintains ecumenical links through the Council for World Mission and the World Council of Churches. No broad formal national interfaith council has been evidenced. The Observing of Evening Devotion Regulations have applied since 6 December 2020. Every day from 18:45 to 19:00, people must keep a quiet period on all nine islands: public roads and vehicles may not be used except for emergency services, people should stop and remain quiet, and noise-producing activities must stop. A first offence can lead to a warning or a $100 penalty payable within 14 days. A repeat offence can lead to 30 hours of communal service, a $300 penalty or up to one month of imprisonment. Tuvalu's religiously linked public holidays include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Te Aso o te Tala Lei, also called Gospel Day, on the Monday after the second Sunday in May, Christmas Day on 25 December and Boxing Day on 26 December. These holidays operate alongside other national holidays. Religious participation itself has no evidenced nationwide worship or membership fee. Religious communities may establish and operate schools at their own expense and provide religious instruction to their own members. The Constitution does not permit a child to be forced to receive another community's religious instruction, ceremony or observance. Under the Education Act, a teacher may object on conscience grounds, and a parent may request that a child be excused from all or part of religious instruction. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports lists nine primary schools, one secondary school and 18 early childhood education and care centres operated by the state, alongside one faith-based primary school and one faith-based secondary school. Fetuvalu is the private secondary school operated by the Church of Tuvalu, and its programme includes Christian attributes and values linked to the United Nations. The Religious Bodies Registration Act allows a religious body to apply for registration when at least 50 people aged 18 or older share common tenets and the body has its own discipline and internal government. A recognised head and five members submit the application to an administrative officer. The Minister may register the body after making inquiries, and registration can allow the body to bring legal proceedings and hold property through up to five trustees. The Act does not specify a registration fee or a fixed processing period in the reviewed sources. A separate restriction applies to establishing a religious organisation or association in a Falekaupule Area. Prior approval from the Falekaupule is required, and the representative must receive a hearing. Approval may be refused only when the beliefs or practices may directly threaten island values or culture, but approval can later be withdrawn for a direct threat, divisiveness or conduct considered unsettling or offensive. Home worship with the people living in the same household is exempt. Organising or providing an unauthorised venue can carry a maximum $500 penalty, while an attendee can face a maximum $200 penalty. The decision cannot be challenged in court under the cited law, and the Act sets no general approval deadline. Access can therefore differ between Funafuti and the outer islands. The Civil Registration Act 2025 repealed the earlier birth, death and marriage legislation. A religious ceremony does not replace civil marriage registration. A registered Minister of Religion or appointed lay preacher may officiate, but the couple must give notice to the Island Registrar at least 14 days before the intended marriage. The notice is publicly displayed for 14 consecutive days, the marriage must take place within three months after notice, and at least two witnesses aged 18 or older must attend. A church or other public place of worship may be used, and the ceremony's form is largely chosen by the couple and officiant within the statutory declaration requirements. The officiant or officer submits the notice within seven days, and the marriage must be entered in the civil system. Baptisms, confirmations and funerals remain denomination-specific; no nationwide rite, timing or fee was evidenced. Marriage certificate and special-licence fees exist under the civil system, but the applicable amounts should be confirmed with the Island Registrar.