Chrétiens et Sociétés (Jul 2014)

L’imbrication du politique et du spirituel à Madagascar : un défi pour la laïcité

  • Lalao Soa Adonis Tsiarify

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4000/chretienssocietes.3539
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20
pp. 173 – 190

Abstract

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The religion and politics are closely intertwined in the political live of the Malagasies although the law of separation of churches and the state came into force in Madagascar in 1913. Since independence (1960) this Island has the status of secular state. Nevertheless, the overlapping of religion and politics remains a challenge. Under the regime of Ravalomanana (2002-2009), the notion of secularism was removed from the constitution. But, we are often faced with the question of laicity of the State. Politicians tend to reinforce the separation of religion and politics in the affairs of state. In doing so, they try to copy the European model of secularism. Instead of a direct imitation of a European model of secularism in Madagascar, the author proposes a contextual laicity that respects the local cultural values and takes into account of the role of religion in the society that guaranties the neutrality of the State towards different religious sensibilities.

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