# Christianity in Botswana > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Christianity_in_Botswana > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Christianity_in_Botswana.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Botswana > Source revision: 1316468983 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Christianity by country World percentage of Christians by country Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Kazakhstan Korea North Korea South Korea Kyrgyzstan Laos Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Philippines Singapore Sri Lanka Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Timor-Leste Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Vietnam Middle East Bahrain Cyprus Iran Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Oman Palestine Qatar Saudi Arabia Syria Turkey United Arab Emirates Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine United Kingdom England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales North America Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Belize Canada Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Grenada Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Mexico Nicaragua Panama Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago United States Oceania Australia Fiji Kiribati Marshall Islands Micronesia Nauru New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Christianity portal v t e More than 70% of the population of [Botswana](/source/Botswana) is [Christian](/source/Christians). Most are members of the [Catholic Church](/source/Catholic_Church), [Seventh-day Adventist Church](/source/Seventh-day_Adventist_Church), [Anglican](/source/Anglicanism), [United Congregational Church of Southern Africa](/source/United_Congregational_Church_of_Southern_Africa), the [Methodist Church of Southern Africa](/source/Methodist_Church_of_Southern_Africa), and [African independent churches](/source/African_Initiated_Church). Anglicans are part of the [Church of the Province of Central Africa](/source/Church_of_the_Province_of_Central_Africa). The Catholic Church includes about 5% of the nation's population. The number of [Pentecostal](/source/Pentecostal) churches has been rising in the 21st century. Churchgoers participate in night prayers, evangelism and crusades. Midweek [Bible study](/source/Bible_study_(Christianity)) services are conducted in some churches. In these meetings, prayers are offered for the church, members, community, and leaders in the nation. Churches in Botswana include Pentecostal Protestant Church, [Assemblies of God](/source/Assemblies_of_God), [Apostolic Faith Mission](/source/Apostolic_Faith_Mission_of_South_Africa), [Eloyi Christian Church](/source/Eloyi_Christian_Church), [Pentecostal Holiness Church](/source/Pentecostal_Holiness_Church), [Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana](/source/Dutch_Reformed_Church_in_Botswana), Good News Ministries, [Christ Embassy](/source/Christ_Embassy), Bible Life Ministries, [Victory International Centre](/source/Victory_International_Centre) (VIC), Royal Assembly Ministries Int’l, First Love Church, and Winners Chapel International. The [Eastern Orthodox Church](/source/Eastern_Orthodox_Church) and [Serbian Orthodox Church](/source/Serbian_Orthodox_Church)[1] are present. Many of the churches are members of the [Botswana Council of Churches](/source/Botswana_Council_of_Churches). The churches normally meet occasionally to worship together under the name Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] This body is like an organization of churches and it is the voice of the church. ## History One of the first missionaries to bring the gospel to Botswana was [David Livingstone](/source/David_Livingstone). ## Major denominations According to the country’s 2011 census, 79% of the population are members of Christian groups,[2] typically as [Anglicans](/source/Anglicans), [Methodists](/source/Methodists), or as members of the [United Congregational Church of Southern Africa](/source/United_Congregational_Church_of_Southern_Africa). A survey identified the distribution among these groups as 66% [Protestant](/source/Protestantism), 7% [Catholics](/source/Catholic_Church) and 1% Other. ### Catholic Church The Catholic Church in Botswana is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the [Pope](/source/Pope) in the [Vatican City](/source/Vatican_City). Catholics represent about 5–6% of the total population.[3] Initially Catholic missionaries were not allowed in Botswana by native tribes at the urging of Protestant missionaries who arrived first.[3] Missionaries began to work in Botswana in 1928, and were noted for setting up schools and clinics.[3] In 2006 the church in [Francistown](/source/Francistown) started a program to treat refugees infected with [AIDS](/source/AIDS) with anti retro viral therapy.[4] As of 2011 there were thirteen seminarians preparing for the priesthood in Botswana.[3] The church in Botswana is organised into the [Diocese of Gaborone](/source/Diocese_of_Gaborone), which serves the southern portion of the country, and the [Diocese of Francistown](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Francistown), which serves the faithful of northern communities. ### Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Main article: [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Botswana](/source/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_in_Botswana) The first branch was organised in 1991 with fewer than 100 members. As of 2022, there were 4,031 members in 16 congregations in Botswana.[5] ### Dutch Reformed Church The Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana was founded by Swiss missionaries led by the Rev. Henri Gronin begun working in 1863 among the tribe [Bakgatla](/source/Bakgatla), [Kgafela](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kgafela&action=edit&redlink=1) in [Saulsport](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saulsport&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Rustenburg](/source/Rustenburg) in South Africa. In 1870 part of the tribe moved north to Botswana and the missionaries followed them. The great chief was baptised and most of the tribe followed him. In 1966 when Botswana become independent, a Synod of the Reformed Church was formed. In the 1970s the church gained independence. The church in the following years expanded to [Basarwa](/source/Basarwa), [Bakalanga](/source/Bakalanga) and [Bakgatla](/source/Bakgatla).[6] The denomination has 6,000 members and 13 parishes with 50 house fellowships in 2 presbyteries and one Synod. The 14 churches are in : [Muchudi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Muchudi&action=edit&redlink=1), Muchudi East, Muchudi West, [Sikwane](/source/Sikwane), [Gaborone](/source/Gaborone), [Tlokweng](/source/Tlokweng), [Lobatse](/source/Lobatse), [Kgalagadi](/source/Kgalagadi_District), [Ghanzi](/source/Ghanzi), [Maun](/source/Maun%2C_Botswana), [Makaleng](/source/Makaleng), [Selebi Phikwe](/source/Selebi_Phikwe), [Boseja (Mochudi)](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boseja_(Mochudi)&action=edit&redlink=1).[7] The church subscribe the Reformed confessions: - [Apostles Creed](/source/Apostles_Creed) - [Nicene Creed](/source/Nicene_Creed) - [Canons of Dort](/source/Canons_of_Dort) - [Heidelberg Catechism](/source/Heidelberg_Catechism).[6] The church is member of the [World Communion of Reformed Churches](/source/World_Communion_of_Reformed_Churches).[8] It is also a member of the [Botswana Council of Churches](/source/Botswana_Council_of_Churches). ### Evangelical Lutheran Church The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana is an [Evangelical Lutheran](/source/Evangelical_Lutheran) church. It has a membership of 22,000, and has been a member of the [Lutheran World Federation](/source/Lutheran_World_Federation) since 1986. It is also affiliated with its regional expression, the [Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa](/source/Lutheran_Communion_in_Southern_Africa).[9] The church's head is Bishop Mothusi Letlhage. It is a member of the [Botswana Council of Churches](/source/Botswana_Council_of_Churches). ## Youth programs While children were treated as small adults during the colonial era, the 1800s brought a wave of Sunday school programs (Protestants) and parochial schools (Catholics) specifically for that young population. By the late 1800s, over half of Botswana's young members were attending elementary schools run by local parishes.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## Beliefs and attitudes - 19 percent of Botswana Christians: believe in salvation through [Jesus Christ](/source/Jesus), attend church regularly, study the Bible, invest in personal faith development through a church community, accept church leadership positions, and believe they are obligated to [evangelize](/source/Evangelism) to others. - 20 percent are Professing Christians*.* These persons are also committed to "accepting Christ as Savior and Lord" with an emphasis on personal spirituality over organized religion. - 24 percent are [Liturgical](/source/Liturgy) Christians*,* predominantly [Lutheran](/source/Lutheran) and [Roman Catholic](/source/Roman_Catholic). They are regular churchgoers, exhibit a high level of spiritual activity, and recognize the authority of the church.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] - 16 percent are Private Christians*.* They own a Bible, but rarely read it. Only about one-third attend church. They believe in God and good works, but not necessarily within a church context. This was the largest and youngest segment. Almost none are church leaders. - 21 percent are [Cultural Christians](/source/Cultural_Christian)*.* They identify as Christians, yet they do not view [Jesus](/source/Jesus) as essential to salvation, exhibiting minimal religious behaviors and attitudes favoring a [universality](/source/Universalism) theology.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ### Conversion A study from 2015 estimated that about 100 [Botswana Muslims](/source/Islam_in_Botswana) convert to Christianity each year, most of whom belong to an evangelical or Pentecostal community.[10] It has been reported that conversion into Christianity is significantly increasing among East [Asians](/source/Asian_people).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## Education The majority of Botswana Christians attend co-educational public schools, mostly government operated. The Christian schools were built by churches such as Moeding College for the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, and St. Joseph's College (established by the Roman Catholic Church).[11] Although the schools are Christian schools, Botswana's government participates in their development, related infrastructure, and hiring practices (particularly in hiring teachers). ## Media Every week day public channel [BTV](/source/Botswana_TV) broadcasts short religious programs.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## See also - [Christianity portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Christianity) - [History portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:History) - [Religion in Botswana](/source/Religion_in_Botswana) - [Islam in Botswana](/source/Islam_in_Botswana) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Gaborone, Botswana"](https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/27430/botswana/south-east/gaborone/church/st.-sava-serbian-orthodox-church). *World Orthodox Directory*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230823113506/https://orthodox-world.org/en/i/27430/botswana/south-east/gaborone/church/st.-sava-serbian-orthodox-church) from the original on 2023-08-23. Retrieved 2023-08-23. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-US2022_2-0)** [US State Dept 2022 report](https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/botswana) 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bishop_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bishop_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-bishop_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-bishop_3-3) Zenit Editorial Staff (2011-05-30). ["Botswana's Bishop Valentine and His Big Heart"](http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/botswana-s-bishop-valentine-and-his-big-heart). *[Zenit News Agency](/source/Zenit_News_Agency)*. Retrieved 2013-02-22. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-retro_4-0)** CNA Editorial Staff (2006-06-28). ["Catholic Church helps refugees with AIDS in Botswana"](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/7046/catholic-church-helps-refugees-with-aids-in-botswana). *Catholic News Agency*. Retrieved 2013-02-22. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-newsroom_5-0)** ["Facts and Statistics: Statistics by Country: Botswana"](https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/botswana), *Newsroom*, LDS Church 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-reformiert-online1_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-reformiert-online1_6-1) Johannes a Lasco Library. ["Address data base of Reformed churches and institutions"](http://www.reformiert-online.net/adressen/detail.php?id=1271&lg=eng). Reformiert-online.net. Retrieved 2013-08-18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Dutch Reformed Church In Botswana (Synod Office) (Mochudi, Botswana)"](http://www.localbotswana.com/company/9986/DUTCH_REFORMED_CHURCH_IN_BOTSWANA_SYNOD_OFFICE). Localbotswana.com. 2013-08-06. Retrieved 2013-08-18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["World Communion of Reformed Churches - WCRC | Bringing together 80 million Reformed Christians worldwide"](http://www.wcrc.ch). Wcrc.ch. Retrieved 2013-08-18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Lutheran World"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110811223124/http://www.lutheranworld.org/Directory/afr/EvLuthCchinBotswana-EN.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.lutheranworld.org/Directory/afr/EvLuthCchinBotswana-EN.html) on 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2012-07-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Believers in Christ from a Muslim Background: A Global Census"](https://www.academia.edu/16338087/Believers_in_Christ_from_a_Muslim_Background_A_Global_Census). *www.academia.edu*. Retrieved 2016-06-17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE"](http://www.localbotswana.com/company/12397/ST_JOSEPHS_COLLEGE). *LocalBotswana*. Retrieved 2016-06-17. ## Further reading - Balmer, Randall. *The Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism* (2002) [excerpt and text search](https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Evangelicalism-Randall-Herbert-Balmer/dp/0664224091/) v t e Religion in Botswana Religions Bahá'í Faith Christianity Anglicanism Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Eloyi Christian Church Hinduism African traditional religions Badimo San religion Flag of Botswana Related Freedom of religion Public holidays Category v t e Christianity in Africa Sovereign states Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon The Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe States with limited recognition Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Somaliland Dependencies and other territories Canary Islands / Ceuta / Melilla (Spain) Madeira (Portugal) Mayotte / Réunion (France) Saint Helena / Ascension Island / Tristan da Cunha (United Kingdom) Western Sahara --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Christianity in Botswana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Botswana) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Botswana?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.