Christianity in Burundi
History
Christianity is not indigenous to Burundi and arrived during the period of
Modern-day
Although Burundi is officially a secular state, several religious observances are celebrated as national holidays. This includes Christian festivals such as the Feasts of the Ascension and the Assumption as well as Christmas.[4]
Number of adherents
Although it is accepted that Christians represent the majority of the population of Burundi, there is no consensus about the exact size of the population that they represent. The United States Department of State estimated in 2010 that 75 percent of Burundians are Christian of which 60 percent are Catholic and 15 percent Protestant.[4] According to the Pew Research Center from 2010, the number of Christians represents 94.1 percent of the national population of whom 73 percent are Catholic and 20 percent Protestant.[5]
Burundian Christians are divided into separate Churches, often very small in size, which differ by religious belief. According to a 2014 estimate, there are 557 different Christian Churches in the country.[3]
See also
- Religion in Burundi
- Islam in Burundi
- Roman Catholicism in Burundi
- National Council of Churches of Burundi
References
- ^ Gahama 2001, p. 217.
- ^ Gahama 2001, pp. 217–9.
- ^ a b "Burundi law to limit church numbers". BBC. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
- ^ a b "Burundi". International Religious Freedom Report 2010. United States Department of State. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
- ^ "Global Christianity". Pew Research Centre. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
Bibliography
- Gahama, Joseph (2001). Le Burundi sous administration belge: la période du mandat 1919-1939 (2nd ed.). Paris: Karthala. ISBN 2-86537-089-5.