Religion is a powerful force politically and socially in Haiti, a predominantly Roman Catholic country.
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Christianity
Catholicism
About 95% of the population claim Christian beliefs, although the most professed denomination by far is Roman Catholicism. Similar to the rest of Latin America, Haiti was colonized during a period during which Roman Catholicism was prevalent among European monarchs. Following in this legacy, Catholicism is enshrined in the Haitian constitution as the official state religion, and between 80 and 85% of Haitians are Catholics. Pope John Paul II visited Haiti in 1983. In a speech in the capital of Port-au-Prince, he criticized the government of Jean-Claude Duvalier; it is believed that the impact of this speech on the Catholic bureacracy in Haiti contributed to his removal in 1986.
According to the Catholic Church in Haiti, the ten dioceses of the two ecclesiastical provinces of Haiti count up to 251 parishes and about 1500 Christian rural communities. The local clergy has 400 diocesan priests and 300 seminarians. There are also 1300 religious missionary priests belonging to more than 70 religious families. Vocations to the priesthood are plenty[1].
Other Christian denominations
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pentecostalism, and the Jehovah's Witnesses movement also have significant followings. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims more than 14,000 members in Haiti.[2] 10-15% of Haiti's professed Christians are evangelical protestants.
Vodou
The New World Afro-diasporic religion of Vodou is also practiced. Vodou encompasses several different traditions, and consists of a mix encompassing African, European and indigenous Taìno religious elements. In this way, it is very similar to other Latin American syncretist movements, such as Brazilian Candomblé, Cuban Santería, and Puerto Rican Espiritismo. It is more widespread in rural parts of the country, partly due to negative stigmas attached to its practice.
The exact number of Vodou practitioners is unknown. However, a significant amount of the population practice it, often alongside their Christian faith. This mix of religious practices is controversial; some strict Christians, as well as the Catholic Church, shun Vodou as idolatry and forbid its practice.
Islam
There is a small Muslim community in Haiti, mainly residing in Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haitien and its surrounding suburbs. The history of Islam on the island of Hispaniola (which Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic) begins with the slavery in Haïti.
Many Muslims were imported as slaves to Haiti. Although many were forced to abandon Islam over time, their Islamic heritage has persisted in the culture of native Haitians. In 2000, Nawoon Marcellus, a member of Fanmi Lavalas from San Raphael, became the first Muslim elected to the Chamber of Deputies of Haïti.
References
- ^ Site Web Officiel de l'Eglise de Haïti - L'épiscopat
- ^ Haiti. LDS Newsroom. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
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