The religious make up of Cote d’Ivoire is predominately
native religions, Christianity, and Islam. However, other religious groups are
present in small numbers. Every statistic I saw for division of religious
groups within Ivory Coast
produced different numbers thus I have opted to omit any set statistics. Some
feel that the statics are flawed in part to religious minorities being afraid
to admit their religious affiliation to poll takers.
Hinduism has seen a
surge in Western Africa in recent years.
According to Desh Kapoor, many Africans see Hinduism as consistent with the
pagan beliefs, yet appealing due to foreign sense and brightness of the
idols. Another thing that many African
converts to Hinduism have found appealing is that there have not been any
significant missionary efforts. This means people have come to the religion on
their own accord instead seeing outsiders imposing their belief system upon the
region which is significant after the centuries of Islamic and Christian
mission efforts in the region.
Other religions have significantly small presence such as
Behia, Buddhism.
The African grown religions are predominately pagan in
nature. As many villages and people groups are present are as many religious
views are espoused within the local religions. This has led many westerners to
call them local cults, however many view calling the local religions cults as derogatory.
Significant within the local religions are animal sacrifices, sacred dances and
music.
http://multiculturalbusiness.wikifoundry.com/page/Religion+and+Social+Beliefs+In+Ivory+Coast
About a thousand years ago Muslim invaders occupied much of
this region of Africa . They left behind their
religious practices which have been passed down to what is thought to be about
a quarter of the population of Cote
d’Ivoire . The followers of Islam tend to
dress conservatively, practice the seven pillars like other Muslims from around
the world. Some segments of Islamic followers with Cote d’Ivoire have
experienced persecution at the hands of Christians and followers of local
religions due to their being religious minorities.
http://www.placesonline.com/africa/ivory_coast/travel_guide.asp
Though churches were built for traders and foreign
dignitaries during the period of European exploitation, it was not until the
1800s that Christian mission efforts true began within the region. While some
regions were very enthusiastic to explore and embrace Christianity, many others
view it with suspicion to this day due to the nations experiences with European
traders. When my grandparents Ronald Gene and Bette Burrows served in Cote d’Ivoire
as medical missionaries they were well liked by the locals. However, many would
accept medical treatment with gratitude but not consider converting due to
their tight local religions.
http://www.acn-aed-ca.org/category/ivory-coast/
Kapoor, Dash. Hinduism growing in Africa
without Proselytizing. September 28, 2013. Accessed May 26, 2015
Buddhanet’s World Buddest Directory. Ivory Coast .
1992 - 2015, Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc / BuddhaNet. Accessed May
25, 2015
Lewis, Martin. Religious Complexity in Ivory Coast .
April 26, 2011. Accessed May 26, 2015
Backes, Reinhard. Ivory
Coast- Promoting Reconciliation. Aid to the Churches in Need. October 6th,
2014. Accessed May 26th, 2015
