Religion in Jamaica

Religion in Jamaica, according to the most recent census (2001), consists of a breakdown of 66% Christian (62% Protestant, 2% Roman Catholic, and 2% Jehovah's Witnesses), 3% unstated, and 10% other.^[1] The category other includes 29,026 Rastas, an estimated 5,000 Muslims, 3,000 Buddhists 1,453 Hindus, and approximately 200 Jews. The census reported 21% who claimed no religious affiliation.^[1] The largest religion indigenous to Jamaica is Rastafari.^[2]

Christian

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.^[7][8] Its adherents worship Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia (ruled 1930–1974), as God incarnate, the Second Advent of Jesus Christ or as Christ in his Kingly Character, depending on their views on the Emperor. The 2001 census counted 29,026 Rastafari.^[1]

Other religions

Other popular religions in Jamaica include Islam, Bahá'í Faith with perhaps 8000 Bahá'ís^[9] and 21 Local Spiritual Assemblies,^[10] Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism.^[11] There is also a small population of around 200 Jews forming the Shaare Shalom Synagogue in Kingston, who describe themselves as Liberal-Conservative.^[12] The first Jews in Jamaica trace their roots back to early 15th-century Spain and Portugal.^[13] There are an estimated 5,000 Muslims in Jamaica.^[14]

Religious freedom

Jamaica's constitution provides for freedom of religion, and its 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 in Jamaica based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.^[1]

References