Religion in Jamaica

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According to the most recent census (2001), the population's religious affiliation consists of 24% Church of God, 11% Seventh-day Adventist, 10% Pentecostal, 7% Baptist, 4% Anglican, 2% Roman Catholic, 2% United Church, 2% Methodist, 2% Jehovah's Witnesses, 1% Moravian, 1% Brethren, 3% unstated, and 10% other.^[1] The category other includes 24,020 Rastafarians, an estimated 5,000 Muslims, 1,453 Hindus, approximately 350 Jews and the census reported 21% who claimed no religious affiliation.^[1]

Popular religions in Jamaica include Christianity, Islam, Bahá'í Faith with perhaps 8000 Bahá'ís[4] and 21 Local Spiritual Assemblies,[5] Buddhism, and Hinduism.[6] There is also a small population of around 200 Jews forming the Shaare Shalom Synagogue in Kingston, who describe themselves as Liberal-Conservative.[7] The first Jews in Jamaica trace their roots back to early 15th century Spain and Portugal.[8] Islam in Jamaica estimate a total Muslim population of 5,000.[2]

Rastafari movement

The Rastafari movement or Rasta is a new religious movement that arose in the 1930s in Jamaica, which at the time was a country with a predominantly Christian culture where 98% of the people were the black descendants of slaves.^[2][3] Its adherents worship Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia (ruled 1930–1974), as God incarnate, the Second Advent, or the reincarnation of Jesus.

Other religions

Other popular religions in Jamaica include Islam, Bahá'í Faith with perhaps 8000 Bahá'ís^[4] and 21 Local Spiritual Assemblies,^[5] Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism.^[6] There is also a small population of around 200 Jews forming the Shaare Shalom Synagogue in Kingston, who describe themselves as Liberal-Conservative.^[7] The first Jews in Jamaica trace their roots back to early 15th century Spain and Portugal.^[8] Islam in Jamaica estimate a total Muslim population of 5,000.^[9]

Religious freedom

Jamaica's constitution provides for freedom of religion, laws and policies contribute to the generally free practice of religion.^[1] The law at all levels protects this right in full against abuse, either by governmental or private actors. The Government generally respects religious freedom in practice.^[1] In 2008, the U.S. government learned of no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.^[1]

References

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