General Information:

The earliest inhabitants of Angola were nomadic Khoi and San ethnic groups. The country was colonized by the Portuguese in 1575, and remained a Portuguese colony for 500 years. It was a major supply source of slaves for Portugal's New World colony of Brazil. After years of warfare, known as the ‘Armed Struggle of National Liberation’ (1961–1974), Angola finally won independence in 1975.  As many men died in the war, Angola has a shortage of men, and it is a common practice for a man to have several wives. Soccer and basketball are popular sports in the country.

 

Religious Background:

The Constitution of Angola ensures religious freedom. There are more than 85 recognized religions or denominations. With very few declared atheists, Angolans are a religious people. The Portuguese introduced Catholicism in Angola in the 15th century. Catholics make up the largest percentage of religious groups, followed closely by Protestants. However, around half the population of Angola practices syncretism, and many of their traditional beliefs include witchcraft. There are pockets of those still practicing animism and other indigenous religions.

 

Catholic background:

The first Catholic missionaries arrived in 1491 after the exploration of Angola by the Portuguese. Catholicism kept experiencing growth and decline over the centuries. Catholicism in Angola is mixed with syncretism and animism, and many practice sorcery and witchcraft. In the late 19th century, Protestant missionaries entered Angola and made numerous converts among both the Catholics and those from traditional religions. The Church is composed of 5 archdioceses, 15 dioceses and 271 parishes. Patron saint: The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 

 

Prayer Points

 

1. Angolans to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

 

2. Catholics to know Christ

• Pray for the salvation of 14 million Catholics in Angola.

• Catholicism in Angola is steeped in syncretism, animism, witchcraft and sorcery. Pray that it will be replaced with the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the nation.

• Pray for Catholics to know that salvation occurs at the moment of genuine faith.

• Pray for all the Catholics attending the 271 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

• Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 629 priests, 723 brothers and 1,731 sisters.

• Ask God for the spiritual transformation of Catholics by Christ’s love and compassion.

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3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical Christians have quadrupled from 1990, and continue to grow. They play a vital role in the reconstruction of the country. Pray that Evangelicals will be bold, yet loving and compassionate in their witness to the lost. Pray for the rapid spread of the gospel and for churches to be planted in areas that are hard to reach.

 

4. Social evils and issues in the country

The country faces a variety of socioeconomic problems, including poverty, high maternal and child mortality, and illiteracy. A large number of people practice sorcery and witchcraft. Pray that the light of God’s love will shine on this land.

 

5. Other Religions

Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, Islam, Baha'i Faith and Judaism have a small presence in Angola. Around half the population practice animism and voodoo. Pray that there will be a genuine repentance and many will come to faith in Christ.

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