Christianity is the dominant religion in Greenland, with over 96% of the population identifying as Christian, primarily Lutheran. The Church of Greenland, a Protestant Lutheran denomination linked to the Church of Denmark, serves the vast majority. While Christianity is central to Greenlandic life, traditional Inuit cultural beliefs also remain influential in daily life.
Key Aspects of Christianity in Greenland
- Dominant Faith: Over 96% of the population is Christian, with 95.5% identifying as Lutheran.
- The Church of Greenland: It is the national church, which was part of the Diocese of Copenhagen until 1993, when it became a separate diocese.
- History: The modern Christian era began in 1721 with the arrival of Hans Egede, a Danish-Norwegian missionary.
- Cultural Blend: While Protestantism is the official religion, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs of the Inuit, such as strong connections to nature, are still present.
- Other Denominations: Small communities of Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptists, and others exist, though they make up a very small percentage of the total population.
Historical Context
- Norse Period: Christianity first arrived in Greenland around the year 1000 with Norse settlers.
- Modern Era: Hans Egede’s arrival in 1721 marked the beginning of intensive missionary work and the colonization of West Greenland.
- Conversion Timeline: The conversion of all Greenlanders was a slow process, with the last areas in North Greenland being converted by 1934.
Church Life Today
- Attendance & Rites: Despite low attendance in some Western countries, churches in Greenland are active, with regular attendance, baptisms, and weddings serving as important community gatherings.
- Cultural Expression: Church services often feature traditional Greenlandic clothing and singing.
Demographics
- Population: Over 90% of the approximately 57,000 residents are affiliated with the Lutheran Church.
- Other Beliefs: Approximately 2.5% of the population claims no religion.
Links for further overview of Greenland:
Stichting HEALING THE NATIONS 