Religion in the Dominican Republic

Historically, Catholicism dominated the religious practices of the country, and as the official religion of the state it receives financial support from the government.

[3] The most professed denomination by far is Catholicism The Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic has formed a large part of the history of the country, and it is known as the largest humanitarian aid Institution, it is also in charge of school education in the area of Integral and Religious Human Formation and others also of the revision of it.

The Dominican Catholic Church also stands out for having one of the largest areas in the country and using Religious tourism that takes tours to sanctuaries and outstanding churches in the country, including: • Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia (Higüey) • Cathedral of Santa María la Menor • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Mercedes.

Ecclesial Data in 2020: There are twelve ecclesiastical circumscriptions, two being archdioceses or metropolitan sees, nine dioceses and one military ordinariate.

Jehovah's Witnesses, specifically, have been known to be migrating (more so during the last decade) to the Dominican Republic where they feel there is a great need for evangelizing their faith.

[citation needed] The Dominican Republic, being a nation with a large population of Haitian migrants was able to preserve some African religions, and aspects of them.

Dominican Vodou uses a different percussion, a lot of times it is played with Abates or "Tambour de Palo", which are of Kongo origin; along with it a Guira (Scraper) is usually used.

One who has obtained this title has gone through the last and highest level of initiation that can take anywhere between 3 and 9 days and nights as well as have spent a time working for the community.

[citation needed] Congos Del Espiritu Santo, also known as Dominican Santeria, is a mix of African religious symbolism.

For example, it is not uncommon to find handmade or imported drums; some of which include Balsie's, Congas, Bongos and Panderos (tambourines).

Because in all of these religions there is spiritual possession, in the case of Pentecostals the Holy spirit, and sometimes much shouting and glossolalia (speaking in tongues), which is universal in the others as well.

[citation needed] The Muslim population in the Dominican Republic was increased by Middle Eastern settlers, mostly Arabs of Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian origin and by Pakistanis and other people from the Indian subcontinent.

[citation needed] Dominican Republic also has enough followers of the Baháʼí Faith to have a Bahá’í National Assembly in the country.

[3] Non-Catholic religious groups can register with the government in order to receive tax exemptions and to be allowed to officiate marriages.