Mongolia's religious tolerance still continues today

Chinggis Khan, founder of Mongolian statehood was tolerant of all religions. Mongolians coming from nomadic tradition, where practicality and adaptability was valued more than religious rigidness and fanaticism, have no difficulty accepting all major religions of the world. Baptists, Mormon, Catholic, Bahai, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hare Krishnas, Unification Church (Moonies), Raelism, New Age offshoots as Ananda Marga, Art of Living of Sri Sri and Brahma Kumaris, Sant-Math and Shri Chinmoy all have following in Mongolia ranging from thousands to hundreds of members.


Mongolia’s communist regime lasted from 1924 to 1991 delivered deadly blow to Lamaism, Tibetan version of the Buddhism, which was dominant in Mongolia. Many monasteries were closed and a tradition of every mongolian families to turn one of their children to a Lama halted.With openness and democracy after 90s, various missionaries flocked to Mongolia to fill the spiritual vacuum of Mongolians. At the same time, Lamaism and Shamanism is experiencing Revival and rejuvenation. Shamanism, indigenous religion of Mongolia has no central authority and mainly spread in north western part of Mongolia. Lamaism engrained in Mongolian customs and traditions seen many of its monasteries and temples built and number of Lamaist Buddhist clergy increased by thousands.
Traditionally, all scriptures and chanting of the Lamaism are in Tibetan language. Since many Buddhist believers does not know Tibetan, general public have not a comprehensive understanding about various scriptures and chants. In attempt to bring message of the religion closer to public, some of entry level scriptures have been translated into Mongolian. One or two of the Lamaist monasteries started to conduct their services in Mongolian.
Mongolian traditional acceptance of various religion and new ideas makes it one of safest countries for religious missionaries to work. Ethnic Kazakhs that live in most western tip of the country are Sunni Muslims. Recently, Muslim missionaries from Turkey and Kuwait started appearing in the area and several mosques have been built.
Raelian movement reported majority of the members of its Mongolia chapter are women and girls. This is not surprising given gender ratio in Mongolia. Traditional attitude of Mongolians towards religions were practicality and its appliance in Mongolian way of life.
By Mongolian constitution, religion and state are separate and no discrimination is to be used against all religions. However, the Constitution stipulates state shall respect Lamaist Buddhism, traditional religion of Mongolia.
Still now, religious tolerance of ancient Mongolian Empire continues.