Branden Kartchner

As a result of the Spanish Conquest, Ecuadorian natives were introduced to Catholicism and the faith became increasingly influential in society and politics.  The constitution of 1869 declared the Catholic Church to be the official church of the State and required persons to be Catholic in order to be granted citizenship. However, in 1899 an updated constitution revoked the prior constitution and allowed members of any religious faith to become citizens. Tithes in the form of taxes were abolished. Because of this constitutional change, representatives of other faiths were allowed into the country. In addition, the new constitution called for increased religious freedom for all. Subsequent versions of the Ecuadorian Constitution have continued protecting religious freedom. The 1986 version of the Constitution guaranteed the separation of Church and State. It also prevents religious discrimination and ensures that all religious faiths are equal before thelaw.

Of the population, 80.44% are Catholic, 11.30% are Protestant, 1.29% are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and 6.97% are of a different faith. In addition, Atheists make up of 7.94% of the population while Agnostics make up 0.11%. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been significantly increasing in numbers since its arrival to Ecuador in 1965 and there are around 185,663 members in the country. In regards to Buddhism, there are approximately 5,000 members in all of Ecuador. The Jewish community of Ecuador is primarily in Quito and there are about 300 members and they possesses a single synagogue. The Muslims in Ecuador are of the Sunni denomination and number about 100 members. The Mosque is in Quito.