Home About Lesotho Religion
Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in Lesotho. The Christian Council of Lesotho, made up of representatives of all major Christian churches in the country, estimates that approximately 90 percent of the population are Christian. Roman Catholics represent 45 percent of the population, Lesotho Evangelicals 26 percent, and Anglican and other Christian groups an additional 19 percent. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Baha'i, and members of traditional indigenous religions comprise the remaining 10 percent of the population.

 

The country first saw the introduction of Christianity in the mid-1800s when King Moshoeshoe welcomed three missionaries from the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society into Lesotho. Indeed, missionaries are still very active in the country.

 

While Christians can be found throughout the country, Muslims live primarily in the northeast. Most practitioners of Islam are of Asian origin, while the majority of Christians are members of the indigenous Basotho. Many Christians practice their traditional cultural beliefs and rituals along with Christianity. The Catholic and Anglican Churches have fused some aspects of local culture into their services; for example, the singing of hymns during services has developed into a traditional call and response in Sesotho--the indigenous language—as well as English. Indigenous religious beliefs also influence Songoma, a form of traditional medicine.

 

Lesotho’s Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice.

 

 
Joomla 1.5 Templates by JoomlaShine.com