The Guide to the Religions in the Marshall Islands

Christianity is the dominant religion in the Marshall Islands, with the vast majority of the population identifying with a Christian denomination. Religion plays a central role in daily life, and Sundays are widely observed as a day of worship, family time and rest.

Churches are found across the islands and often serve as important community centres, hosting services, youth activities, celebrations, social support and local events. Hymn singing, prayer and church gatherings remain an important part of Marshallese culture.

Where to Experience Christianity in the Marshall Islands as a Tourist

Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday church services in many communities, particularly in Majuro and Ebeye, where several denominations are represented. Attending a service is a meaningful way to experience local culture, from Marshallese hymns and warm community welcomes to smart Sunday clothing.

In Majuro, one of the most notable churches for visitors is the Cathedral of the Assumption, the main Catholic cathedral in the Marshall Islands. Sunday mass is conducted in Marshallese, though a Saturday evening mass is conducted in English, and both include beautiful local singing.

As with church visits anywhere in the Pacific, dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and knees; men should wear pants and women should wear a skirt or dress. Think your Sunday best! It is also polite to arrive on time, sit quietly and follow the lead of local worshippers. See more tips in the 5 Best Churches in the Marshall Islands to Experience as a Visitor.

Christian holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Good Friday are important in the Marshall Islands, which you can learn more about in our guide to Public Holidays in the Marshall Islands (& Other Important Dates).

Christian Denominations Represented in the Marshall Islands

These are the most prominent Christian (96.2%) denominations in the Marshall Islands, based on the 2021 census:

• United Church of Christ (Congregational in the Marshall Islands): 47.9%
• Assemblies of God: 14.1%
• Roman Catholic: 9.3%
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 5.7%
• Full Gospel Churches of the Marshall Islands, Mission & Envangelism Inc.: 5%
• Bukot Nan Jesus: 3%
• Protestant Churches and Jehovah’s Witnesses: 11.2%

The United Church of Christ is the largest denomination in the Marshall Islands and has historic roots in 19th-century Congregational mission work. The Assemblies of God also has a strong presence, while the Catholic Church, Latter-day Saints, Full Gospel churches and other Protestant groups are represented across the islands.

The remaining percentage of religions in the Marshall Islands is composed of other affiliations.

Other Religion Denominations Represented in the Marshall Islands

• Others: 2.7%
• No religion: 1.1%

Small religious communities do exist in the Marshall Islands. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community has a presence in Majuro, where the Baet-Ul-Ahad Mosque opened in 2012 as the country’s first and only mosque.

The Baháʼí Faith also has a limited presence in the Marshall Islands, though it does not have the same public visibility as the major Christian denominations.

While the Marshall Islands is overwhelmingly Christian, its constitution protects religious freedom, and visitors may encounter small minority faith communities, particularly in Majuro.

Curious about religion in the Marshall Islands? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What is the Main Religion in the Marshall Islands?

The main religion in the Marshall Islands is Christianity. At the September 2021 census, about 96.2% of the population identified with one of 14 listed Christian denominations. The largest denomination is the United Church of Christ (Congregational in the Marshall Islands), followed by the Assemblies of God, the Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Full Gospel churches and Bukot nan Jesus.

What Gods Do Marshallese People Believe in?

Today, most Marshallese people follow the Christian God. Before the arrival of missionaries, Marshallese spiritual beliefs included a traditional polytheistic worldview with deities, ancestral spirits and nature spirits linked to places, illness, dreams and daily life.

Why Did Marshallese People Convert to Christianity?

Christianity spread through the Marshall Islands in the 19th century after missionaries arrived, with the first permanent Protestant mission established on Ebon Atoll in 1857. Mission schools, Bible teaching, local church leaders and the gradual replacement of traditional shrines with churches all helped Christianity become deeply embedded in Marshallese society.

Are Marshallese People Catholic?

Some Marshallese people are Catholic, but Catholicism is not the largest denomination in the Marshall Islands. According to the 2021 census, 9.3% of the population identified as Catholic.

Are There Any Non-Christian Religions Practised in the Marshall Islands?

Yes, although non-Christian religions make up a small minority. In the 2021 census, 2.7% of respondents identified as belonging to a religion outside the 14 listed Christian denominations, while 1.1% reported no religious affiliation. The Marshall Islands also has a small Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Majuro, where the country’s first mosque opened in 2012. The Baháʼí Faith also has a limited presence in the islands.