Religious affiliation figures in Honduras differ considerably because the country has no current official religious census. A 2020 CID Gallup survey reported approximately 48% evangelical and 34% Roman Catholic respondents. An older INE ENDESA survey from 2011–2012 reported 47.3% evangelical or Protestant, 41.5% Catholic and 10.2% with no religion. The Catholic Church has also reported a substantially higher Catholic share, while the Evangelical Alliance has estimated approximately three million evangelical members. These figures should be treated as survey or institutional estimates rather than as a single definitive national distribution. The Iglesia Catolica has dioceses and the Conferencia Episcopal de Honduras across the country. Evangelical and Protestant churches are numerous but institutionally fragmented; the Confraternidad Evangelica de Honduras serves as an interest and coordination actor. Smaller communities include Seventh-day Adventists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Antiochian Orthodox Apostolic Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Baha'is, Moravians and Mennonite or Anabaptist groups. Moravian communities have a particular presence in La Mosquitia. Some indigenous and Afro-descendant communities combine African or Indigenous practices with Christianity. Common religious activities include worship, prayer, preaching, pastoral care, mission work, religious schools, and social, health or migration assistance. Access usually begins through a local congregation, pastor, priest or other religious leader, and the density of congregations differs by region. Prisons are required to allow religious practice without religious preference and to permit faith-based counseling. Article 77 of the Honduran Constitution protects the free exercise of all religions and forms of worship, subject to law and public order. Honduras does not give one religion constitutional preeminence. Religious leaders may not hold public office or conduct political propaganda by invoking religion. Criminal law addresses religious discrimination, and confession and protected pastoral information receive legal protection. People may change their religion or follow no religion, subject to general law and public order. Religious associations can seek registration through the Secretaría de Gobernación, Justicia y Descentralización (SGJD), using the relevant registration office known as DIRRSAC. An application includes statutes, internal organization and purpose. Registered associations submit annual financial and activity reports. They may apply to the Ministry of Finance for tax exemption or customs benefits, while no documented access to those benefits exists for unregistered groups. The procedure is in person, and no standard fee or processing time is reliably established. Public education is secular. Parents may choose religious education, and private religious schools are permitted if they follow the national minimum curriculum. Some private schools require participation in religious classes or activities. A 2023 attempt to prohibit religious activities in public schools was withdrawn. Religious practice can also create scheduling conflicts because the usual work rhythm runs from Monday through Saturday, while Friday prayer and the Saturday Sabbath may require an arrangement with a school or workplace. The Labor Code recognizes Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Semana Santa and December 25 as paid holidays. Honduras has no documented nationwide equivalent treatment for non-Christian religious holidays. The Conferencia Episcopal de Honduras has a Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, and a 2023 interfaith roundtable included Catholic, evangelical, Seventh-day Adventist, Muslim and other participants. At the same time, reports recorded anti-Muslim threats and hate speech and disadvantages affecting Sabbath observance. CONADEH registered two religious-freedom complaints in 2023. Only a civil marriage before a mayor or notary has legal validity. A religious wedding can take place after presentation of the civil marriage certificate; conducting a religious marriage without that prior civil marriage can create criminal risk for the minister of worship. Baptism, confirmation, religious naming ceremonies, funerals and burial rites remain matters of the relevant community and do not create a state civil status or a unified state registration. Their documents, costs and dates depend on the denomination and congregation. Missionaries generally need an entry or residence permit, a local sponsor or institution, and proof of the religious activity. The residence period can last up to five years. An extension requires proof that the activity continues and should be requested at least 30 days before expiry. Fees and exact processing times are not standardized in the available information.
Religion in Honduras
Religion in Honduras includes Roman Catholic, evangelical and Protestant communities, smaller faith groups, and indigenous and Afro-descendant practices that may combine Christian and local elements. Honduras has no state religion or central authority for all religious communities, and the Constitution protects the free exercise of religion. Religious practice affects holidays, schools, associations, life ceremonies and access to pastoral services, while local availability varies by region.
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