During the period covered by this report, East Timor was governed by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). Elections for a constituent assembly charged with producing East Timor's first constitution were scheduled for August 30, 2001; however, by the end of the period covered by this report, the date of independence remained uncertain. UNTAET regulations provide for freedom of religion, and UNTAET generally respects this right in practice.

There was no change in the status of religious freedom during the period covered by this report, and UNTAET's policy continued to contribute to the generally free practice of religion.

The Catholic Church is the dominant religious institution in East Timor. Attitudes toward the small Protestant and Muslim communities vary, given the previous association of these groups with the occupying Indonesian military forces.