Religion in Jamaica

Religion plays an important role in the lives of many Jamaicans. The island is said to have the highest number of churches per capita (surpassed only by the number of bars per capita). The Church of Jamaica, Baptist and Church of God are some of the most popular, but services are also conducted for Roman Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Hindus and others. Rastafarianism is one of the best known religions in Jamaica among foreign visitors.

As you wind through communities in the Jamaican countryside, you’ll notice the many churches. (One tour guide explained to us that Jamaica is home to more churches per capita than any other destination in the world.) It’s common to see Jamaicans in their Sunday best which includes very traditional hats, suits, and starched dresses.

The Church of Jamaica, formerly the Church of England, has the largest following. Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Christian Scientists and other groups also have significant memberships.

Increasingly, religion is becoming an important part of the visitor’s stay as well as the country markets more and more to religious tourism groups. Of special interest to religious conference groups is the ongoing Pulpit Exchange Program operated by Air Jamaica. “This was done to foster good relations with the churches,” says Phyllis Wilson, manager, Community Development Department of Air Jamaica, based in New York. “We know there is interest with the churches in North America and the churches of the Caribbean. Air Jamaica will assist with airfares, in particular the pastor, and also give a discount air to members of the church who accompany the pastor to meetings or other functions.” Wilson notes an increase in the number of religious groups going to the island, many during off-season months. “We try to encourage them during the off-peak season, especially May, September and October so we can offer them better prices.” Many religious groups work in the smaller communities of the island.

Jamaica is also working to draw religious travelers with several special events throughout the year. Ocho Rios has been in the religious market spotlight as the host of the Jamaica GospelFest, held during the spring. The US-based promotion features a well-known lineup of both American and Jamaican gospel artists. Ocho Rios’ Island Village entertainment center also hosts “Island in the Son,” a unique gospel fest designed as an alternative for spring break visitors.