May I have a word with you? Global patterns of restrictions on proselytizing

The right to proselytize is a central aspect of religious freedom. Yet, restrictions on proselytizing are among the most common types of restrictions placed on religious minorities and are present in over 60% of counties. The common motivations for this type of policy include religious ideologies, anti-religious secular ideologies, protecting a religious monopoly, protecting national culture, fear of dangerous cults and perception of missionaries and political or security threats. This study examines seven patterns of restrictions on proselytizing which focus on whether restrictions are formal (legal) or informal, national or local, against indigenous or foreign proselytizers, and the extent of the restrictions as well as the specific tactics used to restrict missionaries and proselytizers.