Jamaican Religion - Christianity. Jamaicas first encounter with Christianity came in the form of Roman Catholicism, introduced by Spanish settlers who arrived in the island in 1504. When the British captured Jamaica in 1655, the Church of England (later called the Anglican Church) became the state church.

When did Christianity start in Jamaica?

1512 While Mass might have been said by a priest on the island before 1512 (Columbus had a priest on one of his vessels), consistent Christianity in Jamaica began in the year 1512. With the coming of the English and the banning of Roman Catholicism, the Church of England provided Christianity for the aristocracy.

What was the first church in Jamaica?

Alley Church, The Oldest Church in Jamaica This Anglican Church was founded between 1671 and 1675, as the parish church of Vere.

What religion was founded in Jamaica?

Rastafari, also spelled Ras Tafari, religious and political movement, begun in Jamaica in the 1930s and adopted by many groups around the globe, that combines Protestant Christianity, mysticism, and a pan-African political consciousness.

What is the largest denomination in Jamaica?

Protestantism is the dominant religion in Jamaica. Protestants make up just over 60% of the population. The five largest denominations in Jamaica are: Church of God, Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Pentecostal and Anglican .Protestantism in Jamaica.DenominationSizeSeventh-day Adventist9.0%Baptist8.8%Pentecostal7.6%Anglican5.5%7 more rows

What is the main language in Jamaica?

English Jamaica/Official languages

How many churches are in Jamaica?

Jamaica has the most “churches” per square mile of any country in the world, with over 1,600 “churches” all over Jamaica.

What does Rasta mean in Jamaica?

RASTA means Rastafarian. A Rastafarian is a person who adheres to the Rastafari belief. The Rastafari belief developed in Jamaica in the 1930s after the 1930 coronation of Haile Selassie I as Emperor of Ethiopia. Those who follow the Rastafari way of life are known as Rastafari, Rastas or Rastafarians.

What percent of Jamaica is Rastafarian?

8 percent Section I. Other religious groups constitute 8 percent of the population, including approximately 29,000 Rastafarians, 5,000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1,500 Muslims (Muslim groups estimate their numbers at 6,500), 1,800 Hindus, 500 Jews, and 270 Bahais.

Who is the worlds most famous Rastafarian?

Bob Marley is the most famous Rastafari. He brought Rastafari to the American masses in the late 1970s and early 1980s through reggae.