Honduras

Capital: Tegucigalpa

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 112,492 km2

Population: 10 million

HDI Rank: 132 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 4.8 million (48%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 4.2 million (42%)

Other: 1 million (10%)

General Information:

Honduras was occupied by a variety of indigenous peoples, the most advanced of whom were the Maya. It then became a part of Spain’s vast empire in the 16th century, and was granted its independence in 1821. Mestizos make up 90% of the country’s population. Honduras has a long history of military rule, corruption, poverty and crime. Political instability continues to trouble the country. The term “Banana Republic” is synonymous with Honduras. The country is home to the world’s second largest coral reef, next to Australia. Soccer is the most popular sport.

Religious Background:

Honduras enjoys freedom of worship. Catholicism spread in Honduras during colonial rule in the country by the Spanish Empire. Since then, the colonial forces started baptizing Honduran natives to the Catholic faith. While most of Honduras came under the influence of Catholicism, Protestantism, especially Anglicans and Moravians, found ground in the British controlled part of Honduras. Hondurans are predominantly Catholics with an increasing number of Evangelicals. 8% of the population comprises of atheists, agnostics, and non-religious.

Catholic background:

The Catholic mass was celebrated on August 14, 1502, two weeks after the discovery of Honduras by Columbus. A bishopric was erected in the Honduras area in the 16th century. There is an influence of animism/paganism and the Maya religion within the Catholic Church. Catholicism’s influence is on the decline, and nominalism is widespread. The Honduran Catholic Church enthusiastically supports ecumenical outreach. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 10 dioceses and 182 parishes. Patron saint: Our Lady of Suyapa.

Prayer Points

1. Hondurans 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 4.8 million Catholics in Honduras.
The Catholic Church is riddled with syncretism and widespread nominalism. Pray that they would get the opportunity to hear the gospel and know Christ personally.
Pray that God through His Holy Spirit will break every barrier and open the hearts of Catholics in the nation.
Pray for Catholics to know the Scripture truth that God saves people, not on the basis of righteous deeds, but according to His mercy.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 182 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 417 priests, 243 brothers and 779 sisters.
Pray for the Good News to reach every Catholic in the nation and that many will embrace Christ as their Lord and Savior.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelicals have experienced tremendous growth in the recent decades. Churches are increasing in number and size. Pray for love and unity among the Evangelical Christians and that they will work together to spread the gospel. Ask the Lord for doors to be opened to preach the true gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the country.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Gang violence, drug wars, child exploitation and extortion are commonplace. Honduras is notorious for having the world's highest murder rate per capita. HIV/AIDS is widespread. Pray for a revival and spiritual awakening in the country.

5. Other Religions

Some of the minor religions in Honduras are Judaism, Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witness, Islam and followers of the Union Church. Ask the Lord to give wisdom and favor to those ministering to these various religious communities.