The TC stipulates separation of religion and state. It prohibits religious discrimination, even if the president declares a state of emergency, and states “all religions shall be treated equally” and “religion or religious beliefs shall not be used for divisive purposes.”
The TC provides for the right of religious groups to worship or assemble freely in connection with any religion or belief, solicit and receive voluntary financial contributions, own property for religious purposes, and establish places of worship. The TC also provides religious groups the freedom to write, issue, and disseminate religious publications; communicate with individuals and communities in matters of religion at both the national and international levels; teach religion in places “suitable” for these purposes; train, appoint, elect, or designate by succession their religious leaders; and observe religious holidays.
The government requires religious groups to register with the state government and with the national Bureau of Religious Affairs. In order to register, “faith based organizations” are required to provide their constitution, a statement of faith documenting their doctrines, beliefs, objectives and holy book, a list of executive members, and a registration fee of $100 for national or $200 for international faith based organizations. International faith based organizations must also provide a copy of a previous registration with another government and a letter from the international organization commissioning its activities in South Sudan.
The TC specifies the regulation of religious matters within each state is the executive and legislative responsibility of the state government. It establishes the responsibility of government at all levels to protect monuments and places of religious importance from destruction or desecration.
The TC allows religious groups to establish and maintain “appropriate” faith-based charitable or humanitarian institutions.
The TC guarantees every citizen access to education without discrimination based on religion. Students can attend either a Christian, Islamic, or African religious course; those with no religious affiliation can choose among courses, which will cover aspects of each faith. Christian and Muslim private religious schools may set their own religious curriculum without government interference.