Protestantism in Jamaica
Protestantism is the dominant religion in Jamaica. Protestants make up about 65% percent of the population. The five largest denominations in Jamaica are: The New Testament Church of God which is a part Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Pentecostal and Anglican. The full list is below. Most of the Caribbean is Catholic; Jamaica's Protestantism is a legacy of British colonial rule as well as of missionaries who came to the island in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Missionaries attempted to convert slaves to varying Protestant denominations of Moravians, Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians, to name a few. As missionaries worked to convert slaves, African traditions mixed with the religion brought over by Europeans. Protestantism became associated with black nationalism in Jamaica, aiming to improve the lives of blacks who were governed by a white minority during colonial times. Today, Protestantism and Protestant churches and organizations play an important role in society by providing various services to people in need.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is the largest denomination on the island with a membership of approximately 290,000 members followed by the New Testament Church of God with a membership of approximately 120,000 members.
There are also several church-operated educational systems including a Seventh-day Adventist one which incorporates Northern Caribbean University.