State and Religious Pluralism: Tensions and Complementarity in Social Policies

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between the State and religious pluralism in social policies in Angola, a context marked by structural inequalities, colonial legacies, and institutional fragilities resulting from the civil war (1975 - 2002). The main problem that motivated the study lies in the regulatory conflicts generated by the proliferation of unregistered churches and the dispute over public and symbolic space, while these organizations simultaneously play an essential role in providing social services. The study aimed to understand the tensions and complementarities between the State and religious organizations in the implementation of social policies. Methodologically, it adopted a qualitative and theoretical-critical approach, based on documentary and hermeneutic analysis of legal, academic, and journalistic sources produced between 2002 and 2025. The results show that despite tensions caused by uneven regulation and religious interference in issues of gender, secularism, and human rights, there are significant cooperative practices in areas such as education, health, and social assistance. It concludes that religious pluralism, although it challenges secularism and state governance, also represents a potential catalyst for inclusion, solidarity, and social cohesion, requiring an ethical and mediating stance from Social Work professionals.