Religion in Malta

Let's talk about religion in Malta.

Malta has a rich historical journey that dates back to around 3600 BC, marked by the construction of significant structures during the temple period. Notable sites from this era include the Ggantia temple in Gozo, the Hypogeum, and the Tarxien temples, reflecting religious beliefs and likely fertility rites. The arrival of Christianity is evidenced by catacombs in Rabat, and the Acts of the Apostles narrates Paul of Tarsus' shipwreck in Malta. Tradition holds that Publius, the Roman Governor, became the first Bishop of Malta. During Arab occupation, native Christians had religious freedom but were required to pay jizya.

The Normans took control in 1091, and the Maltese Islands flourished under their rule. However, in 1479, Aragonese rule forced the departure of the Jewish population. The Knights of Malta held sovereignty from the 15th to the late 18th century, with occasional friction with local Bishops. The French occupation in 1798 brought significant reforms by Napoleon, but after Maltese resistance, the French garrison surrendered to the British in 1800.

Malta became part of the British Empire in 1814, lasting until 1964 when it gained independence. During British rule, the Anglican church and other Protestant denominations established a presence. The establishment of the Diocese of Gozo in 1864 marked an important development in the ecclesiastical structure, separating it from the Diocese of Malta. Today, Malta has two episcopal jurisdictions – the Archdiocese of Malta and the Diocese of Gozo.

Catholic Christianity holds a predominant position in Malta, with its status as the state religion explicitly outlined in the Constitution of Malta. This influence is also evident in various aspects of Maltese culture.

The patron saints of Malta include St Paul, St Publius, and St Agatha. The Assumption of Mary, referred to as Santa Marija, holds special patronage for several towns in Malta, commemorated annually on August 15th.

The census data for the entire population, encompassing both Maltese and non-Maltese individuals, indicates that 82.6%, equivalent to 373,304 people, align themselves with Roman Catholicism. Islam is identified by 3.9% (17,454 individuals), Christian Orthodoxy by 3.6% (16,457 individuals), and Hinduism by 1.4% (6,411 individuals).

The Church of England has 5,706 adherents, while 4,516 individuals identify with Protestantism. A total of 23,243 people, representing 5.1% of residents aged 15 and over, report having no religious affiliation.

Malta has a complex historical relationship with Islam, dating back to the Arab rule in the 9th century. The Aghlabids, arriving from Sicily in 870, conquered the islands from the Byzantines, establishing their capital in Mdina. The Arab chronicler al-Ḥimyarī notes that Malta was nearly uninhabited until colonized by Muslims from Sicily in 1048–1049. However, historical evidence suggests a lapse in population continuity due to the Arab conquest.

Despite the Norman conquest in 1127, the Arab administration initially remained, allowing Muslims to practice their religion freely until the 13th century. Muslims continued to dominate Malta demographically and economically for at least 150 years after the Christian conquest. The expulsion of Islam from Malta is dated to 1249, and by the end of the 15th century, Maltese Muslims were forced to convert to Christianity.

During the Knights of St. John rule (1530–1798), thousands of Muslim slaves were brought to Malta, maintaining some religious freedom. However, a deliberate campaign, led by the Roman Catholic clergy, aimed to de-emphasize Malta's historic links with Africa and Islam.

The British period (1800-1964) saw the relocation of Muslim cemeteries, and by the late 19th century, a Turkish cemetery was established in Marsa. In modern times, Malta's culture facilitated connections with Arab cultures. After independence in 1964, Libya became a significant ally, fostering cultural and ethnic ties with North Africa. The Islamic Centre of Paola was founded in 1978, and the Mariam Al-Batool Mosque was officially opened in 1984 by Muammar Gaddafi.

The constitution of Malta guarantees freedom of conscience and religious worship, although subject to certain restrictions such as public safety, order, morality, health, or protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Discrimination based on creed is explicitly prohibited. While the law permits the criticism of religious groups, the criminal code criminalizes the incitement of religious hatred, with potential imprisonment ranging from six to 18 months. Disturbing functions, ceremonies, or religious services of any law-tolerated religion, conducted by a minister of religion, is also prohibited both within places of worship and publicly accessible areas. Violators may face imprisonment for up to six months, or longer if the disturbance poses serious danger. Acts involving threats or violence against a person during such disturbances may result in imprisonment for six months to two years.