Colombia

Capital: Bogota

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 1.2 million km2

Population: 51.5 million

HDI Rank: 83 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 41 million (79%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 7 million (14%)

Other: 3.5 million (7%)

General Information:

Colombia is named after Christopher Columbus. Spain began its conquest of the region in 1525, and Colombia was formed as a country in 1831. Most citizens are indigenous Indians, Africans and European settlers. Colombia has been ravaged by decades of violent conflict involving outlawed armed groups and drug cartels. The country is the world's leading coca cultivator and exporter of illegal drugs, and has one of the world’s highest homicide rates. Colombia has the world’s tallest palm trees, and the world’s largest flower and is renowned for its vibrant salsa festivals. Colombians love soccer.

Religious Background:

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion. Colombians have the right to freely practice their religion on an equal basis with Catholicism, which was traditionally the country’s official religion. The government generally respects this right in practice. However, for political reasons, they target religious leaders and practitioners, inhibiting free religious expression. The Catholic Church enjoys a de facto privileged status. Only 25% practice their Catholic faith, while 40% of Colombians reported that they did not practice their faith actively.

Catholic background:

Beginning with the Franciscans in 1508, missionaries carried the faith to the most remote parts of Colombia. Catholicism was the official religion from the Spanish colonization until 1991. The Afro-Colombians often engage in religious practices that blend spirit worship with Catholicism. Colombia is referred to as the "Country of the Sacred Heart", due to its annual consecration of the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church is composed of 14 archdioceses, 52 dioceses and 3,831 parishes. Patron saints: Our Lady of Chiquinquira, Louis Betrand, Peter Claver.

Prayer Points

1. Colombians 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 41 million Catholics in Colombia.
The majority of them are strongly traditional. Pray that they will realize their need for a Savior and become true followers of Jesus Christ.
Ask God to pour out His Spirit on this predominantly Catholic nation and to draw them to Himself.
Pray that Catholics will understand that their religious rituals and good works cannot save them, and only the forgiveness that is offered through Christ’s death on the cross justifies them.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 3,831 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 7,920 priests, 4,163 brothers and 15,178 sisters.
Pray that not only individuals, but whole families and Catholic neighborhoods would come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

There has been a remarkable growth among Evangelicals. The number has gone up from a mere 15,000 Evangelicals to more than 4 million in the last few decades. Pray for a sustained growth and for evangelistic outreaches to continue. Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for the lost.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Decades of conflict have turned Colombia into a worst humanitarian hotspot. Millions are caught up in crossfire between leftist rebels and far-right paramilitary militias. Pray that they would discover true peace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

5. Other Religions

Jehovah's Witness, Mormonism, Judaism, Baháʼí Faith, Islam and Buddhism have small communities. A huge number of Colombians are non-religious. Pray that they will have a desire to know Christ and believe in Him.