Although Barbados may be a small island, its population is made up of believers from over 100 religions and religious denominations.

Freedom of worship is one of the rights guaranteed by our constitution. There is hardly, if any, religion tension in Barbados. In addition, ecumenical services are being encouraged to bring believers from other religions together.

Contrary to what you may see in Hollywood films, voodoo and obeah are not practised here.

Christianity

The most popular religion in Barbados is Christianity, which was brought to the island when it was settled by the British in 1627. For many years after settlement, the established church was the Church of England. However, as time went by, more and more denominations such as the Moravians, the Methodists and the Catholics came.

Although the Church of England (Anglican) has the biggest following in Barbados, there are believers from all christian denominations. The most common include: the Spiritual Baptists, the Wesleyan Holiness Church, the Catholic Church, the Pentecostal Church, the Salvation Army, the Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah Witnesses and the Church of the Nazarene.

Almost everywhere you go in Barbados there is a church. Churches vary from wooden structures to immaculate wall structures with stained windows. In addition, some pastors also choose to hold church services in their own homes or in schools.

Practically every Barbadian of the christian faith goes to church either on Sundays or Saturdays depending on their religious denomination. Nevertheless, there are also various church meetings held during the week including prayer groups, youth groups and bible studies.

In most primary and secondary schools there is the Inter-school Christian Fellowship (ISCF) so students could fellowship with other believers. ISCF meetings normally consist of bible studies and singing hymns. There is also a branch of the ISCF for students of tertiary level institutions called the UCCF.

Roman Catholicism

The Roman Catholics make up 4% of the church goers in Barbados. Like in most British colonies of that time, the Church of England was the only accepted denomination and the Catholic Church was firmly rejected. It was not until after the abolition of slavery in 1838 that the Catholic church was given a chance. As the years went on the Catholic church grew and today there are several catholic churches on the island.

Islam & Hinduism

When the East Indians came to Barbados to work as Indentured Servants after Emancipation, many of them brought their religions with them. Much of the East Indian population in Barbados has come here in recent years either from India directly or from Trinidad and Guyana. In addition to mosques, the muslims also have their own schools.

Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism was introduced to Barbados in 1975. Rastas, as they are commonly called, are characterised by their long dreadlocks. Many Barbadians, particularly those who do not know any better, tend to dislike or be wary of Rastafarians.

This dislike of Rastafarians is generally speaking out of ignorance. Many stereotypes about Rastafarians have emerged including the belief that all of them are trouble makers. People fail to realize that the vast majority of the people walking about with locks who commit crimes are just people who wear locks for style and many are not actually part of the rastafarian religion. Despite what people tend to believe, Rastarians are actually a very peaceful people and the vast majority that I have come across are quite nice and decent.

Use your Barbados cell phone rental to find a place of worship near you.