Religion in Guatemala

Christianity has dominated Guatemalan society since its Spanish colonial rule, but the nature of Christian practice in the country has changed in recent decades. Catholicism was the official religion in Guatemala during the colonial era and currently has a special status under the constitution; though it remains the country's largest Christian denomination, its membership has declined over the last half-century. According to a Cid-Gallup survey November 2001, 55% was Catholic and 29.9% Protestant. A 2015 report found that Catholics accounted for 45% of the Guatemalan population. The number of Pentecostals (called Evangélicos in Latin America), Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox have increased in recent decades. About 42% of Guatemalans are Protestant, chiefly independent Evangelicals or Pentecostals. The Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy also claim rapid growth, especially among the indigenous Maya peoples. The constitution of Guatemala establishes the freedom of religion. While it is not a state religion, the Catholic Church is recognized as "a distinct legal personality" that receives certain privileges. According to the constitution, no member of the clergy of any religion may serve as president, vice president, government minister, or as a judge. Registration for religious groups is not required, but provides access to property purchase and tax exemptions. The constitution includes a commitment to protect the rights of indigenous Maya groups to practice their religion. Mayan religious groups are allowed to use historical sites on government-owned property for ceremonies. However, representatives of Mayan groups have complained that their access is limited and subject to other obstacles, such as being required to pay fees. Public schools may choose to offer religious instruction, but there is no national framework for such classes. Private religious schools are allowed to operate as well. Catholic Church in Guatemala Catholicism was the established religion during the colonial era (1519–1821) and reestablished under the Concordat of 1854 until the fall of Vicente Cerna y Cerna in 1871.