Caribbean religions are the same as most religions worldwide but also contain quite a lot of diversity such as in Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica is where Rastafari first took root and is now known worldwide. Its themes are strongly represented in Reggae music and is therefore a powerful cultural expression. There are also some folk (creole or syncretic) religions such as Haitian Vodou, Obeah, Orisha (aka Shango) and Santería present. Caribbean people who practice their religion are very strident in their beliefs and church services are known to last all day. Participation in services is energetic and boisterous and visitors are welcome to attend. The Church and religion as a whole played a major role in the move to abolish slavery in the West Indies. Religion forms a strong component of identity for many Caribbean people. Here are some resources to serve as an introduction to religion in the Caribbean.
A Brief History of Caribbean Religion, Apple podcast by Dr. Aliyah Khan
Bibliography of African Caribbean Religions (NALIS, Government of Trinidad and Tobago) (PDF)
Caribbean Conference of Churches
Caribbean religious information by country (Wikipepia)
Caribbean Religions by William H. Swatos, Jr., Editor
Caribbean Religious History (Project Muse)
Global Ministries: The United Methodist Church
Of Myth and Magic: Superstitions and Traditional Beliefs in Latin America and the Caribbean by Guilherme Campos, 2015
Origins of Caribbean Religions | Cape Sociology (@ archive.org, 2018)
Religion in the Caribbean by Dr. Clifton L. Holland (@ archive.org, 2022)
Religion in the Caribbean: Open Directory
Religion in the Caribbean: Wikipedia
Religious Affiliations: | ||
| • There are about 230,000 Baptists in Central America and the Caribbean, Bless.org; Baptist Church | ||
| Religious Affiliation in the Caribbean | Total Number | Percent (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Catholicism | 14,102,041 |
59.23 |
| Protestantism | 5,912,490 |
24.85 |
| Hinduism | 279,515 |
1.17 |
| Islam | 15,860 |
0.07 |
| Judaism | 1,888 |
0.01 |
| Other | 3,497,828 |
14.69 |
| source: Religion in the Caribbean, caribya (@ archive.org, 2020) | ||
Santería, BBC Religion
Santeria (Way of the Saints) is an Afro-Caribbean religion based on Yoruba beliefs and traditions, with some Roman Catholic elements added. The religion is also known as La Regla Lucumi and the Rule of Osha.
Santeria is a syncretic religion that grew out of the slave trade in Cuba.
The Importance of Religion to Caribbean Immigrant Identity
United Caribbean Trust
United Caribbean Trust supporting Kingdom building Christian Timeshare Gospel Tourism.
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