Religion in Zimbabwe

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Anglican church in Harare, Zimbabwe

It is estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of Zimbabweans belong to mainstream Christian denominations such as the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist Churches; however, over the years a variety of indigenous churches and groups have emerged from these mainstream denominations.^[1] Evangelical denominations, primarily Pentecostal churches and apostolic groups, were the fastest growing group as of 2007.^[1]

While the country is overwhelmingly Christian, the majority of the population continues to believe, to varying degrees, in indigenous religions as well.^[1] Religious leaders also reported an increase in adherence to traditional religion and healers.^[1]

Islam accounts for 1 percent of the population and continues to grow, particularly in rural areas where Muslim-led humanitarian efforts are often organized.^[1] The remainder of the population includes practitioners of Greek Orthodoxy, Judaism, and traditional indigenous religions.^[1] There are also small numbers of Hindus, Buddhists, Baha'is, and atheists.^[1]

While political elites tend to be associated with one of the established Christian churches, there is no correlation between membership in any religious group and political or ethnic affiliation.^[1]

Foreign missionary groups are present in the country.^[1]

[edit] Faiths

[edit] Christianity

Main article: Roman Catholicism in Zimbabwe

Protestants represent about 33% of Zimbabweans. The largest Protestant Christian churches are Anglican, Seventh-day Adventist^[2] and Methodist.^[3]

There are just under one million Catholics in the country (about 7% of the total population).^[4] The country contains two archdioceses (Harare and Bulawayo), which each contain three dioceses Chinhoyi, Gokwe, and Mutare; and Gweru, Hwange, and Masvingo; respectively). The most famous Catholic churchman in Zimbabwe is Pius Ncube, the archbishop of Bulawayo, an outspoken critic of the government of Robert Mugabe.

[edit] Islam

Main article: Islam in Zimbabwe

Estimates on the number Muslims in Zimbabwe vary from as low as 120,000 to as many as 1.2 million.^[5] The Muslim community consists primarily of South Asian immigrants (Indian and Pakistani), a small but growing number of indigenous Zimbabweans, Zimbabweans who descend from European migrants, migrants from other southern and eastern African countries (including Mozambique and Malawi), and a very small number of North African and Middle Eastern immigrants. There are mosques located in nearly all of the larger towns. There are 18 in the capital city of Harare, 8 in Bulawayo, and a number of mosques in rural areas. The Muslim community has expanded its outreach efforts with the aid of the Kuwaiti-sponsored African Muslim Agency (AMA); the Harare AMA office has had increased success proselytizing among the majority black indigenous population, in part because of its humanitarian projects in rural areas. Some chiefs and headmen in the rural areas have reportedly converted from Christianity to Islam.^[6]

[edit] Hinduism

Main article: Hinduism in Africa

There are small number of Hindus in Zimbabwe.^[7][8] Hindus are mainly concentrated in the capital city of Harare. Hindu Society mainly consists of Gujaratis, Goanese and Tamil.

Hindu Primary and Secondary schools are found in the major urban areas such as Harare and Bulawayo.

The Hindu Religious and Cultural Institute (HRCI) is dedicated in teaching Sanatana Dharma to children born into Hindu families of Zimbabwe, but non-Hindus can also study here. Most Hindu families who live in Zimbabwe still have links with India. Gujarati language is taught in HRCI. HRCI also publishes books offering religious education for Hindus.

Brahma Kumaris have three Centres in Zimbabwe (in Harare, Bulawayo, and Vic Falls).^[9] ISKCON has a Centre at Marondera. Ramakrishna Vedanta Society has a centre in Harare.

[edit] References