Religion in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The latest publicly located religion table comes from the 2011 Census, which recorded 47,195 people. It listed 7,842 Anglicans, 7,447 Methodists, 5,081 Pentecostals, 3,495 members of the Church of God, 2,801 Roman Catholics, 2,564 Baptists, 2,554 Seventh-day Adventists, 2,506 members of Wesleyan Holiness churches and 2,265 Moravians. It also recorded 4,141 people with no religion, 860 Hindus, 661 Jehovah's Witnesses, 608 Rastafarians and 244 Muslims. The 2022 Census recorded 51,320 people, but a newer publicly located religious breakdown was not available, so the 2011 table remains the latest published religious profile. Nevis has more than 50 churches representing about 11 denominations. Worship commonly takes place on Sundays or Saturdays, with some churches also holding weekday prayer or Bible services, and churches generally welcome visitors. Section 11 of the Constitution protects freedom of conscience, thought and religion. It covers changing religion, public or private worship, teaching, practice and observance. It also protects people from unwanted religious intervention and prevents forced participation in another religion's instruction or ceremony in education, prison or defence settings. No person may be required to take an oath that conflicts with their religion or belief. Section 15 protects against discrimination based on creed. Restrictions may be justified only within the constitutional limits concerning public safety, public order, public morality, public health, other people's rights, education regulation and democratic necessity. The Department of Ecclesiastical and Faith-Based Affairs, operating within the ministry responsible for education and social affairs, provides government liaison on faith-based affairs, unity, ethical values and social harmony. The Nevis Island Administration coordinates matters on Nevis. Available reporting describes ordinary religious-group registration through the Ministry as voluntary, while the current local primary legal basis for that process was not located; no general registration duty should therefore be assumed. Local access to worship, prayer and religious rites normally comes through the relevant church or denomination. The Education Act 2005, sections 146 and 147, covers public and assisted private schools. The school day may begin with collective worship, but it must not be tied to one denomination. Religious education forms part of the curriculum under an agreed syllabus rather than a denominational catechism or fixed church formulary. A parent may opt a child out of religious instruction or religious observance, although attendance at the school assembly itself remains required. An advisory council may support the syllabus and its implementation. Christian communities cooperate through bodies such as the Christian Council, which includes Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, Roman Catholic and Salvation Army representatives. The Evangelical Association includes the Church of God and Pentecostal Assemblies, while the Seventh-day Adventist Church maintains its own structure. These bodies have supported tolerance activities in schools and communities. A 2023 Pastors' Conference brought together more than 50 church representatives. The 2024 National Day of Prayer included private prayer in churches from 12:00 to 13:00 and an evening service at the New Testament Church of God in Bath Village. Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day and Sundays are listed as Common Law Holidays, so their dates and their effect on work and school schedules matter when planning the year. Easter-related dates change annually. Worship services, baptisms, confirmations and funerals follow denomination-specific practice, and no single nationwide religious procedure or public fee schedule has been located. Religious groups may establish and manage educational institutions at their own expense under the constitutional framework. The Rastafari Rights Recognition Act 2023 provides a specific process for a Rastafari group and its place of assembly to register with the Ministry. Registration has no fee and must be renewed every two years. Adult members of a registered group may cultivate, harvest, dry, trim, cure and possess cannabis material at the registered place of assembly when they use it as a sacrament for upliftment or edification. Cabinet concessions may also apply. In 2026, forms were available through the Ministry at the Neville Building in Buckley's and through the Medicinal Cannabis Authority at Princes Street; cannabis licence fees were waived through 31 December 2026. For a legally recognized religious marriage, an ordained or recognized Christian minister may become a Marriage Officer. The Registrar-General and magistrates act as ex officio Marriage Officers, and a Justice of the Peace may serve as a special Marriage Officer. The couple must follow the statutory notice or licence process and ensure that the marriage is entered in the Register. A religious ceremony held outside the requirements of the Marriage Act has no legal effect as a marriage. Ministers may charge customary fees, but no uniform national tariff has been located.