Religion in Eswatini

Lutherans arrived in 1887 from Germany, and Methodists restarted their efforts in 1895 out of their Christian missions in South Africa.

The Zionist Churches, which blend Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship, and were developed in the early part of the 19th century, predominate in rural areas.

According to Sibongile Nxumalo, the Christian missionaries that ignored or misconstrued "the positive aspects of traditional beliefs, customs and institutions of Swazi society" have largely been unsuccessful.

The colonial era Swaziland League of African Churches has had a long relationship with the royalty of Eswatini, and held public ceremonies such as Easter on the behalf of the King.

[12] They have historically attempted to be apolitical, but in 2004 they campaigned to make Christianity the state religion through a constitutional amendment, a move opposed by the King.

Their views contradicted the state's position, and the leaders of this new Council were then threatened with arrests and prison terms.

[12] The traditional Swazi religion recognizes a supreme God and creator, but more important are the spirits of ancestors.

Followers of Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, Hinduism and Judaism are largely immigrants located in urban areas.