The Municipality of Oporto has officially launched the “Charter of Religions”, an unprecedented survey that identifies 135 places of worship belonging to nine religious communities in the city. The initiative aims to deepen the understanding of Oporto’s social and cultural dynamics, strengthening interreligious dialogue and social cohesion.
The faiths represented are: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Bahá’í Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Japanese Traditions, and Spiritualist Doctrines.
Developed in partnership between the Municipal Department of Social Cohesion and the Religious Studies Department at Universidade Lusófona, the Charter goes far beyond a simple register of places of worship. The document includes detailed information on social activities, community support initiatives and religious education.
According to the municipality, the goal is to promote greater public awareness of religious diversity and highlight the role that these communities play in Oporto’s urban life. The Charter also serves as a foundation to identify the needs and expectations of the various faith groups, fostering constructive dialogue among different traditions.
In the case of Judaism, the document highlights the presence of two distinct communities:
-
The Jewish Community of Oporto, founded in 1923, headquartered in the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, following Orthodox practices;
-
And HaMakom, founded 100 years later, in 2023, representing Progressive/Reform Judaism.
The “Charter of Religions” thus marks a milestone in recognizing the city’s spiritual plurality, underlining Oporto’s commitment to inclusion, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
