A significant number of Christians and Muslims in Togo also incorporate elements of folk religion.[2][3]Togo is a secular state and the nation's constitution provides freedom of religion and worship.[4]
Christians live mainly in the south of the country, while Muslims live predominately in the central and northern regions.
Traditional African religions
In 2021, approximately one-third of the population practiced an animist religion. Among Christians and Muslims, some practice a form of worship that combines traditional rites and Voodoo beliefs. The Togolese remain very attached to animist practices and their ancestral customs.[6] Among these religions, the most important are the Yoruba religion, whose famous ceremony, the Gelede, is characterized by the expression of feelings through music and songs[7], and fetishism, which is the worship of fetishes believed to cure the ills caused by witchcraft.[citation needed]
Protestantism and the Orange Order
The Togolese branch of the Orange Order, governed by the Grand Lodge of Togo, serves as a local chapter of the international Protestantfraternal organization.[8][9] Its origins trace back to September 1915 with the establishment of its first lodge, LOL 867, "Defenders of Lome," by John Amate Atayi. Atayi, a Togolese local, was first initiated into the order in Lagos, Nigeria, before bringing its principles to his home country.[10][11] the lodges in Togo, which also include LOL 884, concentrate on positive evangelism, youth development, and community philanthropy.[12] Members interpret the victory of William of Orange not as a political symbol but rather as a testament to civil and religious freedom. This perspective highlights the organization's focus on non-political, charitable works and spiritual growth within the local community.[13][14]
Islam was introduced to Togo by Berber groups who built mosques and converted populations, so that by 1900, 4% of the population was Muslim. In the 17th century, the Tchokossi, a Muslim people, settled in the Mango region (Togo) and gradually spread northward. German, and later French, rule was considered very favorable to the development of Islam in the country. The settlers signed agreements with the Muslim Berbers of the region to provide them with gold, weapons and mercenaries[15]. The first mosque in Togo was built in the middle of the 19th century in the village of Didawurê.[16]
Hinduism is a recent phenomenon in Togo. This religion was exported to Togo through the Hindu Monastery of Africa based in Accra, Ghana.[18] The religion was introduced by indigenous Africans based in Accra, Ghana, and a branch of the Hindu Monastery of Africa has been established in Lomé. There are around 80.000 or 1% Hindus in Togo in 2022.[19][20][21]
In 2022, Freedom House rated Togo's religious freedom as 3 out of 4,[22] noting that religious freedom is constitutionally protected and generally respected in practice. Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism are recognised by the state; other groups must register as religious associations to receive similar benefits. The registration process has been subject to long delays with almost 900 applications pending at the beginning of 2021.
↑ Matt, Phillips; Andrew, David; Bainbridge, James; Bewer, Tim; Bindloss, Joe; Carillet, Jean-Bernard; Clammer, Paul; Cornwell, Jane; Crossan, Rob; etal. (Authors) (September 2007). The Africa Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the Continent. Coordinated by Matt Phillips. Footscray, Australia: Lonely Planet. p.94. ISBN978-1-74104-602-1. OCLC144596621.
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