top of page
ECUADOR
ecuador.png
Ecuador.jpg
Ecuador.png

Capital: Quito

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 283,561 km2

Population: 18 million

HDI Rank: 86 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 14.5 million (79%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 2 million (11%)

Other: 1.8 million (10%)

General Information:

Ecuador is named after the Equator, the imaginary line around the Earth. It was part of the Inca Empire until the Spanish colonized it in the 1500s. Ecuador became independent of Spain in 1822. Mestizos make up about 70% of the population. The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most exotic species of animals, and Charles Darwin largely based his theory of evolution on the discoveries he made there. Ecuador is the largest exporter of bananas in the world. The famous “Panama Hat” is actually made in Ecuador. Soccer is the most popular sport.

 

Religious Background:

Religion is a very important aspect to the people of Ecuador. For centuries, Ecuador has been overwhelmingly Catholic, although Protestantism has grown in recent past. The Evangelical movement gained momentum in the 18th and the 19th century. Catholicism was the official religion of Ecuador after 1869, making Catholics the only ones eligible for citizenship. But, in 1899 a liberal government established a new Constitution that encouraged respect for all religions and freedom of choice for religious practices. Atheism and agnosticism are on the rise.

 

Catholic background:

Catholicism was first introduced to Ecuador during the colonial era by the Spanish. Franciscans were the first to set up missions, followed by Dominicans, Augustinians, and Jesuits.  Catholicism continues to be the most important religion for both the Ecuadorian society and government. In 1906, complete separation of Church and state was decreed. Evangelicals have been growing, with the addition of mainly Catholics. The Church is composed of 4 archdioceses, 12 dioceses and 1,208 parishes. Patron saints: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Prayer Points

 

1. Ecuadorians 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 14.5 million Catholics in Ecuador.

  • Disillusionment, antagonism and apathy toward the Catholic Church are common sentiments. Pray for them to find true meaning and purpose in Christ.

  • Pray for a spiritual revival, and for the gospel to bear fruit and churches to be planted among the Catholics.

  • Pray for Catholics to know that any addition of works to the gospel nullifies the saving grace of God, which is the only means of salvation.

  • Pray for all the Catholics attending the 1,208 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

  • Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 1,797 priests, 1,381 brothers and 4,617 sisters.

  • Pray for the Spirit of God to reveal the true gospel to those seeking the Lord Jesus Christ, and many would come to His saving knowledge.​

​

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

The number of Evangelical churches has increased greatly in recent years. There are incidents of violence, church burning and intimidation against Evangelical by some of the opposing factions within the Catholic community. Pray for maturity in the church, and for the gospel to spread despite the threats. 

 

4. Social evils and issues in the country

The country's history has been filled with corruption and rebellion. It has been marred by political turmoil and poverty, with one-third of the population living in poverty. Pray for Ecuadorians to trust Jesus, and enjoy peace and abundant life.

 

5. Other Religions

Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witness, Baha’i and followers of the Apostolic Faith have slowly integrated into the Ecuadorian society. Pray that the gospel will be boldly proclaimed to them, in love and the power of the Holy Spirit.  

bottom of page