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, youll
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.) Its 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 visitors
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.
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