While many African countries have experienced significant growth in Christian populations in recent years, some experts predict that this trend may slow down or even reverse in the future. Ethiopias population is growing about 2.7% annually with no projected peak year or period of decline. Christianity was well established in North Africa in the first few centuries after Christ. Democratic Republic of the Congo: With a population of over 100 million, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the largest countries in Africa and home to a significant Christian population. Theological orthodoxy became identified with political loyalty that would mark the church for centuries. Here, there are 101 million followers of the faith. The Africa Study Bible is a monumental study Bible, with notes by scholars and pastors in Africa who see the critical need to make Scripture relevant to our everyday lives. Although just 5.1% of China's population of 1,341,340,000 are Christian, China has the worlds seventh largest Christian population. Today, most Christians in Africa have been touched in some way by Pentecostal teaching. If you are curious about the spread of Christianity in Africa, you might be wondering, How many Christian countries are in Africa? The answer might surprise you. When looking at the total number of Catholics in a nation, Brazil comes out on top. South Africa: Christianity is the dominant religion in South Africa, with approximately 80% of the population identifying as Christians. Additionally, there have been concerns about the role of some Christian leaders in promoting intolerance towards other religions and beliefs. Second, a new missionary zeal on the part of the African church. Nubia is one of two countries that claim to be the worlds oldest Christian nation (the other is Armenia). Ezana became one of the great Christian kings of Africa. Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both aspects. The growth of Christianity in Africa has contributed to the rise of Christianity as a global religion, with African Christians making up a significant portion of the worlds Christian population. 48.1 %. More consistently than prevailing secular ideologies and contemporary religions, Islam contains a handful of foundational beliefs. The fifteenth century was a turning point when Catholicism from Portugal circled the continent. Home Christianity Discover How Many Christian Countries Are in Africa in 2023. The Gospel Coalition exists to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel. countries Catholic Church by country Collaboration with Traditional African Methods: Christianity has often worked in collaboration with traditional African methods of conflict resolution, such as community meetings, dialogue, and reconciliation rituals. It does not store any personal data. The Ugandan Anglican population is the third largest in the world. // Africa Study Bible. Converting to Christianity in Record Numbers Please create an employee account to be able to mark statistics as favorites. Though Roman Catholicism is slightly more popular than Anglicanism, Anglican Christians are the second largest religious group in Uganda. Countries She is passionate about education and her faith and uses her blog to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. Since , Spread the loveFor centuries, the existence of God has been a matter of deep contemplation and debate among people from all walks of life. How has the growth of Christianity in Africa impacted global Christianity? facts. Show publisher information West Africa includes 16 countries and one dependency. At this meeting, European powers partitioned Africa for colonization and trade. The Origin And Growth Of Christianity In Africa - WorldAtlas According to the Census of the 2020 Annuario Pontificio (Pontifical Yearbook), the number of baptized Catholics in the world was about 1.329 billion at the end of 2018. Frumentius, a fourth-century Syrian missionary, tutored Ezana, the young prince of the kingdom of Axum, which is in present-day Ethiopia, in the Christian faith. There are also popular denominations of Christianity that are distinct to Africa or popular in the continent. 62 Christians and Jews are projected to remain the second- and third-largest religious groups in the region, respectively, with more modest population gains of 43% and 46%. Christian political movements: Throughout Africa, there have been Christian political movements that seek to promote Christian values and influence politics. Jesus said, You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywherein Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The powerful African church is coming to maturity in the twenty-first century. Gospel Music: The introduction of gospel music in Africa has had a profound impact on the continents music scene. Homosexuality promoted as 'un-African'. Countries The Coptic church of Egypt has long claimed that the apostle Thomas and the evangelist Mark played important roles in the formation of the Church in Alexandria, Egypt. Africa is one of the most dynamic centres of Christianity in the world. What percentage of African countries are considered Christian? Though a smaller number Some argue that the focus on Western-style education in these mission schools led to the loss of traditional African knowledge and practices, and that the Eurocentric curriculum perpetuated colonialism and the denigration of African culture. Challenges and controversies: Christianity in African politics is not without its challenges and controversies. African leaders such as Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela were influenced by Christian teachings in their struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Religion plays a significant role in the lives of Africans, with Christianity being the most widely practiced religion on the continent. Christianity WebThe introduced religions of Islam (in northern Africa) and Christianity (in southern Africa) are now the continents major religions, but traditional religions still play an important role, especially in the interior of sub-Saharan Africa. Christian political leaders: Many African political leaders have been influenced by Christianity and use it as a basis for their political beliefs and actions. Additionally, there is a rise in Islamic fundamentalism in some parts of Africa, which has led to conflict and tension with Christians. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved, Livestream: Zambia Reformed Family Conference 2020, Are Dreams and Visions Messages from God? Of the 20 countries in the region, 19 had some form of harassment targeting Christians (either by governments or social groups). Orthodoxys falling share of the global In the 4th century Africa In the 19th century, many European and American Christian missionaries arrived on the continent with the goal of converting Africans to Christianity. The share of the worlds Christians living in sub-Saharan Africa will rise from 24% in 2010 to 38% in 2050. By the 4th century, Christianity had become the dominant religion in the region. Many African Christian leaders have been at the forefront of campaigns for democracy, human rights, and social justice. Africa is a diverse continent that is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and religions. In Europe, 46 of the 50 countries have a Christian majority, as do 34 of the 51 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and 27 of the 60 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Africa's elites, which include political, religious and community leaders, often claim that homosexual practices are an imported Western evil. Christian The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The increase in the number of Muslims in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to be greater in the next 20 years than it was in the previous two decades. This led to the establishment of missionary schools and the growth of Christianity in Africa. Success Stories: There are many examples of successful conflict resolution efforts involving Christianity in Africa. Missionary work was at the forefront of this religious expansion, and many churches and Christian schools were established during this period. How Many Countries Christianity and Social Justice: Despite these challenges, Christianity continues to play an important role in South African society, particularly in the area of social justice. The majority of Christians in Uganda are Catholics and Anglicans. Christianity rapidly spread throughout the continent, taking root in various regions, including North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Horn of Africa. Early Christianity in (76%), while in sub-Saharan Africa, Christians faced harassment in two-thirds of countries Today, Christianity continues to play a role in African politics and nationalism, with many Christians actively involved in social and political movements. WebAfrica is a wonderfully culturally diverse continent, and its assortment of religions mirrors that diversity. However, African Christians have also played a significant role in the development of African theology, liturgy, and music. How Christianity Was Used to Exploit 37.7% of the population is affiliated to Protestantism and 11.8% are Seventh-day Adventists. Missionary work from African churches has also contributed to the spread of Christianity to other parts of the world. Whether you are a Christian yourself, or simply interested in learning more about the world around you, this article is for you. It should be noted that any attempt to generalize about the nature of African religions risks wrongly implying that there is homogeneity among all African cultures. Crusading declined rapidly during the 16th century with the The Bible was translated into several variations of the Coptic language, and monasticism, which originated in Egypt, spread to the Latin-speaking church of western North Africa. 7 Christians are a minority, however, in all 20 countries in the Middle East-North Africa. The Christianization of the Americas and the evangelization of Asia, Africa, and Australasia gave geographic substance to the The most heavily Christian countries on Earth The 68,410,000 Chinese Christians make up 3.1% of adherents to the faith worldwide. The birth rate in Ethiopia is 36 births per 1,000 people. 8. Facebook: quarterly number of MAU (monthly active users) worldwide 2008-2023, Quarterly smartphone market share worldwide by vendor 2009-2023, Number of apps available in leading app stores Q3 2022, Profit from additional features with an Employee Account. (February 28, 2023). One of the unique aspects of African Christianity is the emphasis on miracles and spiritual experiences, which has been a significant draw for many Christians around the world. From 1990 to 2010, the number of Muslims in the region increased by about The challenge by Islam and African traditional religions deepened the faith of believers. The country where the membership of the church is the largest percentage of the population is Vatican City at 100%, followed by East Timor at 97%. Portuguese missionary efforts were spread too thin, however, to make a significant, lasting impact. Origin And Growth Of Christianity In Africa In many cases, the spread of Christianity was intertwined with colonialism and the exploitation of African resources. African countries with the most devoted Christians The modern missionary movement and indigenous Christian movements in Africa of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries built upon these earlier foundations. Between 12001500, the Zagwe dynasty in Ethiopia, a family of Christian kings, revived Christian art, literature, and church expansion. Latin America: religion affiliation share 2020, by type, Voting intention for 2022 presidential elections in Brazil, by religion, Religious affiliation in Latin American and Caribbean countries 2020, Religious affiliation of the youth in Colombia 2021. The new era of African missions is still in its infancy. Church attendance Africa However, there are also criticisms of the role of Christianity in African education. In 1270, a new Solomonic dynasty replaced the Zagwe dynasty. Christianity has had a significant impact on the promotion of human rights in Africa. In most countries, people have the freedom of worship and as a result become members of various religions of their choice. In the late eighteenth century, evangelical and other British leaders formed a movement that sought to abolish slavery. Christianity has also been embraced by many Africans as a way to address social issues and promote social justice. South Africa African religions and corresponding beliefs and practices This is particularly evident in regions where Christianity was introduced alongside Islam or other religions. WebRoman Catholics make up the most Christians in Brazil. Nigeria is the most populous country in both West African and Africa as a whole. Christian population in Africa as of 2023, by country [Graph]. Africa Important popular Christian movements also flourished, motivated in Ethiopia by Syrian monastic missionaries, known to tradition as the nine saints, and in Nubia by Jewish converts. One challenge is the continued presence of traditional African religions that compete with Christianity for followers. WebAfrican religions, religious beliefs and practices of the peoples of Africa. The Africa Study Bible app is available on the Tecarta Bible App, the worlds best study Bible app, which is available to download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Key findings: How living arrangements vary by religious affiliation "Christian Population in Africa as of 2023, by Country. Movements such as Donatism in the fourth century considered imperial Christianity, which owed its allegiance to Rome, as exploitative and compromising. By 2060, the Pew Center reported recently, This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1. Vatican City. The majority of Christians in South Africa are Protestants, followed by Catholics. In all, 19 countries around the world have at least a million Orthodox Christians, including Romania (19 million) and Greece (10 million). Many new nations took control of missionary schools, hospitals, and social agencies in the 1960s. Africa: prevalence of Christianity by country 2023 | Statista Six Million African Muslims Convert to Christianity Each However, it also presents opportunities for social and economic development as well as interfaith dialogue. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In all 10 countries surveyed, large majorities of pentecostals (ranging from 56% in South Korea to 87% in Kenya) say that they have personally experienced or witnessed the divine healing of an illness or injury. Ethiopia s current population is about 115 million and is expected to surpass 200 million by the end of 2049. A study by a German academic says religious conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa have been on the rise for decades. In five countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates - there is no legal clarity and the death penalty could be applied. Apr 28, 2023. Churches like Ghanas Church of Pentecost and Nigerias Redeemed Christian Church of God have established centres all over the world. By. Coexistence: Christianity and African Traditional Religions (ATRs) have coexisted in Africa for a long time, with some Africans blending elements of both. Islam is the major religion in many African countries, especially in the north of the continent. Uganda. Nigeria has chartered 61 private institutions since 1999. The definition of a Christian country in Africa can be a topic of debate, as there are varying degrees of religious influence on African governments and societies. Orthodox Christians remain a small minority of sub-Saharan Africas Christians, most of whom are Catholics or Protestants. At about 30.3 million km 2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 20% of Earth's land area and 6% of its total surface area. A Caution to Those Who Decree and Declare. The Global Religious Landscape | Pew Research Center Christianity In The Middle East Religions in Africa Africa Nairobi, 11 May, 2021 / 10:03 pm (ACI Africa). The story of Christianity in Africa is now a global movement changing the world. 2021 2022 2023. Russia, Ethiopia and Ukraine have largest national Orthodox populations. Africa is one of the most dynamic centres of Christianity in the world. Also in the bottom five of Africa countries are the Comoros (788,474), Equatorial Guinea (845,060), Djibouti (887,861), and Gabon (1,725,300). The Size and Distribution of the Worlds Christian Population The growth of Christianity in Africa has been fueled by various factors, including missionary work, colonialism, and globalization. Written by 350 contributors from 50 countries, it includes the Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Anglicised) and more than 2,600 features that illuminate the truth of Scripture with a unique, African perspective. Indeed, if current demographic trends continue, the number of Muslims is expected to exceed the number of Christians by the end of this century. Seek first the political kingdom, and all things will be added unto you. From 1420 until 1800, Portuguese politics and Christian missionaries from Portugal and Spain dominated much of coastal Africa. Despite the long history of Christianity in Africa, it may surprise you to learn just how many Christian missionaries are currently active on the continent. This has helped to improve literacy rates and promote the growth of African literature and scholarship. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. According to the Pew Research Center, more than 80% of the world's governments interfered with their citizens' religious worship in some way in 2019. In 1126, after a failed Christian rebellion in Granada, the Almoravids expelled the city's entire Christian population to Africa. Evangelicals in Africa such as Ottobah Cugoano and Olaudah Equiano were just as crucial to the anti-slavery cause. The continent of Africa is home to over 1.3 billion people and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Christians Now Live in Africa Controversy: The coexistence of Christianity and ATRs has led to controversies over the years, with some African Christians seeing traditional beliefs as incompatible with Christianity. History of Christianity: Christianity has played a significant role in the history of South Africa, dating back to the arrival of the Dutch East India Company in 165Today, Christianity is the dominant religion in South Africa, with the largest denominations being Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, and African Independent Churches. Christianity has played a role in conflict resolution on the continent for centuries, often in partnership with traditional African methods. Christianity in Africa has become increasingly diverse with the rise of Pentecostalism and other charismatic movements. However, great Africans who helped shape Roman Christianity included Bishop Cyprian of Carthage and Augustine, Bishop of Hippo. More than 80 countries favor a specific religion, either as an official, government-endorsed religion or by affording one religion preferential treatment over other faiths, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of data covering 199 countries and territories around the world. WebAfrica covers six percent of the world's total surface area, roughly 30,244,000 km (11,700,000 mi). The commitment of the missionaries to Africa is illustrated by the many who took their coffins with them when they travelled from their homelands, knowing that their lifespan would probably be short. Regional Distribution of Christians | Pew Research Center Coup leaders eventually gave way to multiparty politics. How many countries in Africa We should stand on their shoulders in the way we seriously study the Bible. 1. On the other end of the list, Seychelles has fewest French speakers in Africa, with an estimated 92,900 people. History of Christianity in Africa 2.1. 29.3 %. In addition, sub-Saharan Africas Christian population is expected to double, from 517 million in 2010 to 1.1 billion in 2050. Praise God for his work across Africa. A controversial decree by the pope, called the Padroado, granted to the king of Portugal all rights to economic, military, and evangelistic activities in the areas he controlled. Christian Denominations: The Christian population in Nigeria is divided into various denominations, including the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Baptist Church, the Pentecostal Church, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Christianity is on the rise in African countries despite the harsh religious environment on the continent that is Africa The country in the Horn of Africa has 36 million Orthodox Christians, the worlds second-largest Orthodox population after Russia. The five regions are presented in descending order of Christian population, with the region with the highest number of Christians (the Americas) appearing first and [2] In 2005, the Catholic Church in Africa, including Eastern Catholic Churches, embraced approximately 135 million of the 809 million people in Africa. Literacy rates increased as a result, and many African leaders and intellectuals were educated in these mission schools. Africa experienced the greatest religious change of any continent over the twentieth century. Iran. About half are Catholic. Violators include governments in both Muslim- and Christian-majority This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Crusades WebThe introduced religions of Islam (in northern Africa) and Christianity (in southern Africa) are now the continents major religions, but traditional religions still play an important African Christianity has become an increasingly important part of global Christianity in recent years, with the continent accounting for a growing percentage of the worlds Christians. In both Nubia and Ethiopia, the king or emperor determined the religion of his people. In many cases, African governments that were once critical of the church asked churches for help in education, medicine, and nation-building. About one-in-three evangelicals live in the Americas (33%) and roughly one-in-five reside in the Asia-Pacific region (21%). At the council of Nicaea in 325, Constantine attempted to have church leaders agree on how to understand the deity of Christ. Additionally, there have been tensions between different Christian denominations, as well as concerns about corruption and abuse within some churches. Contemporary Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity has brought a renewal to the church in Africa. If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The killing of Christians has increased in recent weeks in countries around Africa, he said. Christianity has had a significant impact on education in Africa, with many mission schools established by Christian missionaries in the 19th and 20th centuries. What defines a Christian country in Africa? First, the emergence of a large African theological fraternity composed of both Catholics and Protestants. As the glories of Catholicism faded in the late eighteenth century, a new force arose: Evangelicalism. While some Africans were receptive to the message of Christianity, others resisted the efforts of missionaries to convert them. Musical Instruments: The introduction of Christianity in Africa also brought new musical instruments such as organs and hymnals. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church traces its origins to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch mentioned in the Book of Acts. Africa is the world's second-largest, second-most populated continent, covering approximately 11.7 million square miles.Therefore, it makes sense that over 1.4 billion people call it home. The fertility rate is 4.1 births per woman. Great nineteenth-century British leaders such as William Wilberforce (member of the British parliament and champion of anti-slavery legislation), Thomas Clarkson (leader of the anti-slavery society in England), and Granville Sharp (English abolitionist) did much good. Other significant missionary organizations included the Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church. The country is roughly evenly split between Christians and Muslims. It combined a passion for personal religion with a crusade against slavery and changed the face of Africa forever. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. During the colonial period, European powers introduced Christianity to Africa in a bid to spread their influence and convert Africans to their religion. The expansion of Christian universities Christian higher education has played a salient role in this rapid private growth. By 1500, Christianity in Nubia all but disappeared. Denominational missions and faith missions such as the Africa Inland Mission, Sudan Interior Mission, Sudan United Mission, and the South Africa General Mission (later the Africa Evangelical Fellowship) influenced African societies. The Middle East-North Africa region had the largest share of countries where Christians were harassed in 2018. What Does The H In Jesus H Christ Stand For? Nigeria: With an estimated population of over 200 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the largest Christian nation on the continent.
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