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Leste’ s constitution states that there is no state endorsed religion, and all religion must remain removed from the state although, Catholicism is endorsed by the government and constitution for helping secure the freedom of Timor-Leste, allowing the Church certain freedoms and financial support. Some religious minorities report levels of bias by some government officials.
With a history entrenched within the Catholic Church it seemed little wonder that everywhere presented a religious icon of sorts. It almost became a game of where to discover something new based upon religious scriptures. Tucked away in a roadside grove, or within the wall of a local construction, each display having its own story to tell.
Despite the ever-present images of Christ, either blessing the people or slumped upon a crucifix, it never felt overpowering or dominating. The early morning call to pray, the adhan, recited by a muezzin, was surprisingly a refreshing start to the day amongst the bustle of the Dili streets. The An-Nur Mosque in Alor Village, Dili, a beautiful addition to the landscape where the Islamic faithful invited a visit with passion and intrigue.
The greatest discovery in Timor- Leste was the devotion and display to beliefs of the more traditional kind.
Making our way to a hillside village we were greeted by the people of Rabilau, a traditional community that still practises the ways of animism despite the encroachment of the modern world.
Amongst vistas that demanded attention, a simple glance never enough, were a people who believe in something greater than an archaic belief written in the pages of a book, these people belief that everything is connected and has a spiritual belonging that guides life in certain directions.
As the local weed was smoked
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