Religion in Belize
According to the 2000 census, Roman Catholics constitute 49.6% of the population of Belize; Protestants constitute 29% (Pentecostals 7.4 percent, Anglicans 5.3 percent, Seventh‑day Adventists 5.2 percent, Mennonites 4.1 percent), Baptists 3.5 percent, and Methodists 3.5 percent.[1] There are approximately 6,000 Nazarenes and modest numbers of Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists, Jehovah's Witnesses, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Muslims, Rastafarians, and Salvation Army members.[1] Except for the Mennonites and Pentecostals, who live mostly in the rural districts of Cayo and Orange Walk, members of these groups tend to live in Belize City.[1] Catholics are numerous throughout the country and constitute the majority in all but two of the country's six districts, Belize and Cayo, where they represent a plurality of the population.[1] Approximately 10 percent of citizens identify themselves as nonbelievers or members of no religious congregation.[1]
Belizean Roman Catholic churches belong to the Diocese of Belize City-Belmopan; Anglican churches belong to the Diocese of Belize, part of the Church in the Province of the West Indies.
Hinduism is followed by most Indian immigrants, while Islam is common among Middle Eastern immigrants and has gained a following among some Kriols. Catholics frequently visit the country for special gospel revivals. The Greek Orthodox Church has a presence in Santa Elena.[2] Jehovah's Witnesses have experienced a significant increase in membership in recent years. According to the Witnesses, around 3% of the population attended at least one religious meeting in 2007.[3] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims 3,300 members in the country [4]
The Constitution of Belize provides for freedom of religion, and other laws and policies contribute to the generally free practice of religion.[1] The Government at all levels protects this right in full against abuse, either by governmental or private actors.[1] The Government generally respects religious freedom in practice.[1] In 2008, the U.S. government received no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.[1]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i International Religious Freedom Report 2008: Belize. U.S. Department of State (2008).
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. - ^ Orthodox Church of Belize homepage
- ^ "2007 Report of Jehovah's Witnesses Worldwide", Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
- ^ Belize. LDS Newsroom. retrieved 2008-12-13
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