On May 24 and 25, 2025, the Cape Verdean capital, Praia, hosted a historic event: the 1st Cape Verdean Forum on Religious Freedom (FELIR 2025). Organized by the Department of Religious Liberty and Public Affairs of the Association of Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Cape Verde (AIASD-CV), the event was held in the Noble Hall of the National Assembly, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of national independence and the 90th anniversary of the arrival of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the country.

Promoting Dialogue and Protecting Rights

The religious makeup of Cape Verde is predominantly Christian. According to the most recent national data from 2021, 72.5% of the resident population aged 15 and older identify as Catholic, followed by Seventh-day Adventists, who represent 1.9%.

Attendees note that the event stood out for its pluralistic, secular character and for providing space for open and inclusive dialogue. The event welcomed government authorities, legal experts, civil society representatives, national and international experts, and organizations dedicated to promoting human rights. More than 600 people participated in person, while many more followed online.

Promoting Dialogue and Protecting Rights

The opening ceremony on May 24 featured the President of the Republic, Dr. José Maria Neves, who reaffirmed Cape Verde’s commitment to peace and religious tolerance, urging for the swift resolution of any legal constraints affecting the application of these freedoms.

Panelists addressed key themes from various perspectives, including constitutional guarantees, the relationship between religion and politics in Cape Verde, and the advances and challenges related to religious freedom, particularly the participation of Seventh-day Adventists in public examinations and in the workplace.

Among the forum’s notable panelists were Dr. Aristides Lima, one of the three judges of the Constitutional Court (Cape Verde’s highest court); Dr. Adilson Semedo, a researcher at the University of Cape Verde; Dr. Eurídice Mascarenhas, president of the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship; and Dr. Felisberto Moreira, president of the National Human Rights Network.

International guests included Adventist lawyer Dr. Damaris Moura, author of Brazil’s first law on religious freedom, and Dr. Fábio Nascimento, president of the Lusophone Alliance for Religious Freedom.

A Story of Perseverance and Hope

During the event, António Monteiro dos Anjos, a Cape Verdean Adventist pastor, shared his experience of imprisonment in Togo. In 2012, he was arrested on unfounded accusations of involvement in a human trafficking network. Despite a lack of evidence, he spent 22 months in the Lomé Civil Prison. During that time, the global Adventist Church mobilized in his defense through prayer vigils, social media campaigns, and international petitions. On January 13, 2014, the Togolese Court of Appeal declared his innocence and ordered his release.

Monteiro’s case became emblematic in the defense of religious liberty and human rights, underlining the dangers faced by religious leaders in contexts of intolerance and injustice. His account at the forum reinforced the importance of upholding religious freedom and the protection of fundamental rights in every society.

The Adventist Commitment to Freedom

In his opening speech, Natalino Martins, president of the Adventist Church in Cape Verde, affirmed that religious freedom is a natural and inalienable right, biblically based on the God-given gift of free will, which allows individuals to choose their faith without coercion. He referenced the historical role of the Adventist Church in defending this right, including the contributions of Ellen G. White and Pastor Alonzo T. Jones, one of the founders of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), the world’s oldest organization dedicated exclusively to religious freedom.

He expressed appreciation to the State of Cape Verde, represented by the President of the Republic, as well as to the Constitution and Law No. 64/VIII/2014, which establishes the legal framework for freedom of religion and worship. He emphasized Article 49 of the Constitution, which guarantees respect for religious freedom. However, he noted current challenges, including the absence of accommodations for Adventists unable to participate in Saturday exams.

“I reaffirm our commitment to continue working side by side with the State, other religious communities, and civil society,” Martins said, “so that religious freedom is not just a law written by God and men, but a lived reality—marked by respect and faith.”

Looking Ahead

At the forum’s close, David Njock, president of the Western Sahel Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists (UMOS), called for “a look of grace beyond our religious differences,” underscoring the value of diversity as an opportunity for mutual growth. However, he clarified that religious tolerance must not be confused with acceptance of harmful practices that violate human dignity.

According to Professor Milton Monteiro, a Cape Verdean member of the organizing committee and founder of the Cape Verdean Association for Religious Freedom (ACLIR), “This event represents a historic milestone in Cape Verde and reaffirms the commitment of Adventists to human dignity, human rights, and religious freedom.”

A formal signing of the “Praia Declaration for Religious Freedom” is expected to take place at an upcoming ceremony, accompanied by partnerships and protocols that aim to strengthen cooperation between religious organizations, institutions, and the State. Adventist lawyers and academics also proposed a bill to establish a National Day for Religious Freedom. The official website was launched during the event.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.