Rachel Evans
Guatemala's religious landscape has changed significantly over the past few decades. While the country has a history of Catholicism, with the religion being introduced during the colonial era, the percentage of Catholics in the country has been declining. In 2000, 60% of Guatemalans were Catholic, but by 2023, this number had dropped to 42.4%. The decrease in Catholicism is partly due to the rise of Protestantism, which now accounts for 42% of the population, making Guatemala one of the most Protestant countries in Latin America. Additionally, the number of people with no religious affiliation has also increased, with 11% of Guatemalans identifying as non-religious. The religious diversity in Guatemala includes other Christian denominations such as Presbyterians, Pentecostals, and Eastern Orthodox, as well as smaller numbers of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Catholics in Guatemala | 42.4% to 45% |
| Date of Latest Data | 2023 |
| Previous Percentage of Catholics | 55% in 2001; 60% in 2000 |
| Current Primary Religion in Guatemala | Evangelism |
| Percentage of Protestants in Guatemala | 40% to 44% |
| Percentage of Non-Religious People in Guatemala | 11% |
| Other Religions Practiced in Guatemala | Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Mayan or Afro-Indigenous religions, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity |
| Number of Buddhists in Guatemala | 8,000 to 11,000 |
| Number of Quakers in Guatemala | 19,830 in 2017 |
| Number of Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Guatemala | 255,000 in 2015 |
| Recognition of the Catholic Church by the Guatemalan Government | The Catholic Church is the only religion recognised by the Guatemalan Constitution |
| Religious Freedom in Guatemala | The Guatemalan Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens |
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What You'll Learn
- Catholicism was Guatemala's official religion during the colonial era (1519-1821) and again from 1854 until 1871
- The Catholic Church is the only religion recognised by Guatemala's constitution
- Catholicism is the second most common religion in Guatemala, with 42.4% to 45% of the population identifying as Catholic
- Protestants currently make up 40% to 42% of the population, up from 30% in 2009
- Mayan spiritual leaders have reported societal discrimination and harassment, including accusations of witchcraft
Catholicism was Guatemala's official religion during the colonial era (1519-1821) and again from 1854 until 1871
Catholicism has had a long history in Guatemala, dating back to the colonial era when it was introduced by Spanish colonizers in the 1500s. During this period, known as the colonial era (1519-1821), Catholicism was established as the official religion of Guatemala. This changed, however, in 1821 when Guatemala gained its independence from Spain and freedom of religion was subsequently written into its constitution.
Despite no longer being the official religion, Catholicism remained a significant force in Guatemalan society. In the mid-19th century, it was re-established as the country's religion under the Concordat of 1854 until the fall of Vicente Cerna y Cerna in 1871. During this time, the Catholic Church consolidated its presence in the country, and it continues to be the largest denomination or church in Guatemala today.
The religious landscape of Guatemala has undergone shifts over the past few decades. In 2000, it was estimated that 60% of Guatemalans were Catholic, but this number has declined to around 45% according to more recent surveys. While Catholicism remains important, the country now has a significant Protestant population, estimated at around 40-42%, making Guatemala one of the most Protestant countries in Latin America.
The growth of Protestantism in Guatemala can be traced back to the arrival of Protestant missionaries in the 19th century, invited by President Rufino Barrios to challenge the power of the Catholic Church. However, it was the arrival of Pentecostal missionaries from the United States that led to a substantial influx of Protestant converts. Additionally, some Catholics have converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with Guatemala having the highest proportion of Eastern Orthodox Christians in Latin America.
In conclusion, while Catholicism is no longer the official religion of Guatemala, it continues to play a significant role in the country's religious landscape. The period between 1519 and 1821, as well as the years between 1854 and 1871, were pivotal in shaping the religious identity of Guatemala, with Catholicism being the established religion during these eras. Today, Guatemala is home to a diverse range of religious beliefs, with a notable presence of Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, alongside indigenous Mayan spiritual practices.
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The Catholic Church is the only religion recognised by Guatemala's constitution
Guatemala's religious landscape has changed significantly over the past few decades. While the country was predominantly Catholic during the colonial era (1519-1821), it is no longer the official religion. However, the Catholic Church is still the only religion officially recognized by the Guatemalan government as a distinct legal entity, as per the country's constitution. This special status grants the Catholic Church certain privileges that other religious groups do not automatically receive.
The history of Catholicism in Guatemala is closely tied to the country's colonial past. When Spain colonized Guatemala in the 1500s, they introduced Roman Catholicism, which became the established religion during that period. Catholicism was re-established under the Concordat of 1854 until 1871, and it has historically been the dominant religion in the country.
The Guatemalan Constitution now recognizes freedom of religion for all its citizens, and the government actively protects and honors this right. While there is no state religion, the Catholic Church holds a unique position in the country's legal framework. Other religious groups can apply for recognition and tax-exempt status by submitting their bylaws and membership information to the Ministry of Government. This process ensures that a variety of religious organizations can operate in the country and enjoy certain benefits.
The recognition of the Catholic Church in Guatemala's constitution reflects the significant influence of Catholicism in the country's history and the large number of Catholics in the population. As of 2024, approximately 45% to 46% of Guatemala's population identified as Catholic, amounting to about 7.7 million people. However, this number has declined over the years, with Protestantism and other religions gaining followers.
In addition to the Catholic Church, Guatemala is home to a diverse range of religious groups, including Protestants, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Baptists, Episcopalians, Orthodox Christians, and Buddhists. The country also has a significant population of indigenous Mayan people who practice their own traditional religions and sometimes blend their spiritual traditions with Catholic or Protestant practices. The Guatemalan Constitution includes a commitment to protect the rights of indigenous Maya groups to practice their religion and access historical sites for ceremonies.
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Catholicism is the second most common religion in Guatemala, with 42.4% to 45% of the population identifying as Catholic
Guatemala's religious landscape has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. In 2000, 60% of the population was Catholic, but by 2023, this number had dropped to between 42.4% and 45%, making Catholicism the second most common religion in the country. The Catholic Church remains the largest denomination or church in the country and is the only religion recognized by the Guatemalan Constitution, although freedom of religion is guaranteed for all citizens.
The decline in Catholicism in Guatemala has been accompanied by a rise in Protestantism, which has grown from 40% in 2000 to between 42% and 44.2% in 2023, making Guatemala the most Protestant country in Latin America. This shift has been influenced by the influx of Protestant missionaries since the 19th century, particularly Pentecostals from the United States, and dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church due to scandals, corruption, and historical associations with colonial powers and anti-communist governments.
The religious makeup of Guatemala is diverse, with a significant presence of Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christians, particularly among indigenous Mayan peoples. Mayan spiritual leaders have reported societal discrimination and harassment, including accusations of witchcraft and blocking access to sacred sites by evangelical Christian groups. Additionally, there are small but notable communities of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and followers of Afro-indigenous religions.
Catholicism in Guatemala has a long history, dating back to the Spanish colonization of the region in the 1500s. During the colonial era (1519-1821), it was the established religion, and it was reestablished under the Concordat of 1854 until 1871. The Catholic Church in Guatemala has faced challenges, including a suppression by anti-communist governments in the 1960s due to suspected Marxist sympathies. Despite these challenges, the Church remains active in social and poverty relief efforts, often incorporating relevant Mayan practices into Catholic ceremonies and worship.
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Protestants currently make up 40% to 42% of the population, up from 30% in 2009
Protestantism has seen a significant surge in Guatemala in recent years, with estimates placing the Protestant population at around 40% to 42% of the country's total population. This marks a notable increase from 2009, when the Protestant population stood at 30%. Guatemala has experienced a religious shift, with Protestantism now posing a strong challenge to Catholicism, the traditional religion introduced during the colonial era.
The rise of Protestantism in Guatemala can be attributed to several factors. One key factor is the dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church due to scandals and corruption, leading people to explore other forms of Christianity. Additionally, the influx of Protestant missionaries, particularly Pentecostals from the United States, has contributed to the growing number of converts. The first Protestant missionary, Frederick Crowe, arrived in Guatemala in 1843, but his expulsion in 1845 by Conservative President Rafael Carrera did not deter the continued arrival of missionaries from various denominations.
The largest Protestant denominations in Guatemala today include Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Baptists, and Episcopalians. The growth of Protestantism has been particularly notable among the indigenous Maya peoples, with some sources indicating that Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches have witnessed rapid growth within this community. This shift has not been without tension, as there have been reports of conflicts between evangelical Christians and practitioners of Mayan spirituality, with the former accused of restricting access to sacred sites and disseminating negative propaganda.
While Catholicism remains the largest denomination or church in the country, its numbers have declined over the years. As of 2023, estimates of the Catholic population in Guatemala range from 42.4% to 45%, a notable decrease from the early 2000s when it was reported to be as high as 60%. The Catholic Church continues to play an important role in the country, with recognition from the government and various social welfare initiatives. However, the rise of Protestantism has undoubtedly reshaped the religious landscape of Guatemala, making it one of the most Protestant countries in Latin America.
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Mayan spiritual leaders have reported societal discrimination and harassment, including accusations of witchcraft
In Guatemala, approximately 45% of the population identify as Catholic, with a further 42% identifying as Evangelical Christians. The country has a long history of Catholicism, dating back to the Spanish colonisation of the country in the 1500s. Despite this, Mayan spiritual leaders have reported societal discrimination and harassment, including accusations of witchcraft.
Mayan spiritual guides and practitioners have faced persistent practices of racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples. Choc Cuz, a Mayan spiritual guide, stated that she was accused of witchcraft and attacked by Simón Tun Sacul, who claimed to be a member of an elite army unit. She reported that she was doused with gasoline and blamed the community council for endorsing the attack.
In another incident, Adela Choc Cruz, a Mayan spiritual guide, and her adult daughter, Sandra Tec Choc, were unlawfully detained by members of the local community government in Chichipate, Izabal Department. They were threatened with being burned alive for allegedly committing acts of witchcraft against the child of a local evangelical Christian leader. Choc Cruz's house was burned down, and police officers who attempted to intervene were warded off.
Domingo Choc Che, a well-known Mayan spiritual guide and natural medicine expert, was tortured, burned, and killed by neighbours who accused him of witchcraft. Three people were sentenced to 20 years in prison for the killing, but indigenous spiritual guides and herbalists remain concerned that the judge reduced the charges from murder to homicide and downplayed the influence of Christian extremism in the killing.
Mayan spiritual leaders have reported that evangelical Christian leaders have created obstacles to restrict their ability to worship. For example, the leader of an evangelical Christian parish in Guatemala City directed his followers to block access to sacred sites under trees to deter Mayan spiritual practices and convert followers to evangelical Christianity. Mayan spiritual practitioners have also found signs saying that they are witches and that their practices are the work of the devil.
These incidents reflect continued intolerance against indigenous traditions in Guatemala and the tension between evangelical Christian groups and indigenous spiritual practitioners of Mayan communities. Mayan spiritual leaders have sought meetings with Christian authorities to establish mutual respect and acceptance but have found little enthusiasm for dialogue.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, between 42.4% and 45% of Guatemalans identify as Catholic.
Estimates of the percentage of non-religious Guatemalans range from 4% to 17%.
Evangelism is the most common religion in Guatemala, with 44.2% of the population identifying as evangelical Christians.
Other religions in Guatemala include Presbyterianism, Lutheranism, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Mayan religions.
