Uruguay

Capital: Montevideo

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 176,215 km2

Population: 3.5 million

HDI Rank: 55 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 1.7 million (47%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 0.4 million (11%)

Other: 1.5 million (42%)

General Information:

Before the arrival of Europeans in 1516, the inhabitants of Uruguay were predominantly the Charrúa people. Uruguay won its independence between 1811 and 1828, following a four-way struggle between Portugal and Spain, and later Argentina and Brazil. Uruguayans are of predominantly European origin. It is known as the “Switzerland of South America”. The nation has traditionally been affluent. Every single house in the country has its own unique name. Uruguayans love to dance the Tango. Carnival is a major festival. Soccer is a national obsession.

Religious Background:

Catholicism is the most dominant religion but very few are practicing Catholics. Evangelicals have seen a considerable growth in the last couple of decades. Uruguay is the most secularized nation in South America, and has the highest percentage of agnostics and atheists. Most are not affiliated with any particular religion, while others are atheists or agnostics. Many are spiritually influenced by New Age ideas. Religion plays a less significant role in the lives of the citizens of Uruguay. It ranks sixth on the list of the least religious countries in the world.

Catholic background:

Catholicism was introduced in Uruguay by European settlers. Missionaries were sent to convert the indigenous population to Catholicism but there was a fierce resistance. Jesuit and Franciscan missions were established in the 1620s. In 1830, Catholicism was established as the state religion. However, a new Constitution in 1917 separated the church and state. Only 2% attend mass. Afro-Brazilian Spiritism attracts many people. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 8 dioceses and 226 parishes. Patron saints: Our Lady of Lujan, James Major, Philip.

Prayer Points

1. Uruguayans 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 1.7 million Catholics in Uruguay.
A vast majority of the Catholics are nominal and Catholicism is no longer relevant to many. Pray that they will find their identity in Christ alone and turn to Him.
Pray for spiritual renewal and fervor to replace empty traditions and false practices.
Pray that Catholics will check everything with the Scriptures, to verify the truthfulness of what they believe and practice.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 226 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 459 priests, 382 brothers and 1,089 sisters.
Pray that a growing number of Catholics will respond positively to the gospel across the nation.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical churches struggled to make an impact on Uruguayan society, however, since the late 1990s, growth of evangelicals has rapidly increased. Pray for a continuing harvest, and that the thousands of new believers might be discipled. Ask God to use the believers to actively and boldly share the gospel with their own people.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Legalization of abortion and same-sex marriage. The rates of depression, suicide, abortion, and divorce are some of the highest in Latin America. Pray for the truth of the gospel to set people free from the bondage of sin, and they be saved.

5. Other Religions

Religions like Jehovah’s Witness, Mormonism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha’i Faith and Judaism have small followings in Uruguay. Pray for God to bestow spiritual hunger among them and draw them to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.