Religion in the Marshall Islands

The government generally supports the free practice of religion,[1] although the minority Ahmadiyya Muslim community has reported some harassment and discrimination.

At the September 2021 census about 96.2% of the population identified with one of fourteen established Christian denominations in the Marshall Islands.

1,128 people, or 2.7% of respondents identified as belonging to a religion other than one of the fourteen denominations listed on the census form.

[1] The Ahmadiyya Muslim community in the Marshall Islands has reported that it faces difficulties interacting with the government, as well as harassment in general society.

[7] Prior to the arrival of Europeans to the islands, and with them the introduction of Christianity, the Marshallese practiced their own native polytheistic religions.

"Some Marshallese still practice divination as their ancestors did, but instead of tying knots in leaf strands, they may open the bible and let their finger fall upon a verse at random in the hope that the words will shed light on what they are expected to do".

[8] The belief in magic continues to play a (at least) residual role in the daily life of the people of the Marshall Islands.

[8] According to James George Frazer, the Marshallese people respected this certain God, and offered him tributes like breadfruit, coconut, fish, etc.

"They included the spirits of dead relatives who might return at times to possess someone in the family so as to provide valuable information or other assistance.