Religion in Moldova
[2] Of the non-Orthodox population of Moldova, the United States Department of State estimates that as of 2022 approximately seven per cent identify with no religion; Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Pentecostals number between 15,000-30,000 each; the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova organisation estimates the Jewish population to be approximately 20,000; and the Islamic League of Moldova (an NGO recognised by the Moldovan Ministry of Justice in 2011 as representing Moldovan Muslims[5]) estimates the number of Muslims to be between 15,000–17,000.
The remaining less than five per cent of the Moldovan population are Seventh-day Adventists, Evangelical Christians, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and atheists.
The law provides for freedom of religious practice, including each person's right to profess his or her religion in any form.
Many self-professed atheists routinely celebrate religious holidays, cross themselves, and even light candles and kiss icons if local tradition and the occasion demand.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) has two congregations in the country, and a combined total of approximately 455 members.
Between the 4th-7th centuries AD, Moldova was part of an important trading route between Asia and Europe, and bordered the Khazar Khaganate, where Judaism was the state religion.
The group was registered in its current form in 1997, but its roots stretch back to founding of the Union of Jewish Communities in Bessarabia on 3 November 1935.
Since 2014, Moldova has been an observer country to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and since 2019 has adopted the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism for official use.
The municipal government of Chişinău has repeatedly refused requests by the Islamic League of Moldova "allot a plot of land for the Muslim community at the state-run cemetery", in violation of Moldovan law which "provides the right to burial space in public cemeteries for all registered religious groups.
"[2] Prior to the groups registration in 2011, "Drop-ins by police on worship services were regularly reported, as well as alleged harassment.
"[10] Nevertheless, as of 2016, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded that Muslims are "thriving" in Moldova.
[11] Veaceslav Balan, UN Human Rights Office Coordinator in Moldova said that Islamophobia is still, however, "a major challenge facing Muslims today in the country.
[13] In June 2010 Metropolitan Vladimir featured in the campaign advertisements of Valeriu Pasat, apparently endorsing his candidacy.
[16] In 2016, on the eve of the first round of the presidential elections, metropolitan bishop Vladimir called on church members to cast their votes for Igor Dodon, the pro-Russian leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova.
