Religious Beliefs and Spirituality in Guyana

Guyana has quite a diverse culture, and having quite a number of religions present in the country is but normal. The most dominant religions are Christianity and Hinduism, followed by Islam and others. In 2002, 57% of the people of Guyana are Christians, 17% of which are Pentecostal, 8% are Roman Catholic, 7% are Anglican, 5% are Seventh Day Adventists, and 20% are from other Christian groups. On the other hand, 28% are Hindu, 7% are Muslims, 2% are believers of other religions, and about 4% have no religion. Most of the Guyanese Christians are either Roman Catholic or Protestants, while other groups in the country like the Indians practice Hinduism, and Afro-Guyanese and Indian-Guyanese practice Islam.

Hinduism and Islam came in the country in the mid-20th century, after the long colonial period of Guyana under the European countries, where Christianity is the religion. During the early times, the Guyanese have been taught that practicing Christian beliefs is a requirement for social acceptance, so everyone has turned into practicing Christianity. Some have already converted to Christian religions for professional reasons, though some still practice Hinduism/Islam even if they have already been converted as Christians. In the same way, some Christians have already converted themselves to practicing Hinduism or Islam, depending on their location in the country.

In light of Guyana being colonized and influenced by the Europeans for about 500 years, Muslim festivities have not been celebrated until the late 1970s. Now, Muslim holidays such as Eid al Fitr (end of Ramadan), Id Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) and Mawlid (birthday of Muhammad) have become public holidays.