Macao Religion

Under the influence of Christianity and Roman Catholicism, Macau is called “a city of holy names ”

Release time : 2016-05-27 12:46:11

source : WTCF

, with a total of 3,000 students. Though the history and power are not as profound as the Roman Catholicism, Christianity has many religious sects, such as the “New apostolic church” and “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Buddhism

Buddhism is the predominant religion in Macau with more than 60,000 believers. Some influentual Buddhism groups are “Macao Buddhism Society, Macao Buddhism Union” and so on. The development of Buddhism in Macao can be seen through the renovation and expansion of Buddhism temples. Temple is the main activity ground of Buddhism, so in some way, the scale of temple can reflect the influence of Buddhism.

Guanyin belief is an important part in Buddhism, and the renovation and expansion of Guanyin temple is in accordance with that of the Buddhism. The development of Buddhism can also be manifested in the creation of Buddhism education, Buddhism organization, and Buddhism publication. The Macao female Buddhist theological institute was founded at that period by Buddhist Zhang Lianjue, wife of HongKong gentry-merchant He Dong. As a famous Buddhist, Zhang was very dedicated to public welfare. To improve female social status in Macao and Hong Kong, she founded the day-night schools in Macao and Hong Kong and the female Buddhist theological institute.

Taoism

Taoism used to have some influence in Macao, now the related belief is A-Ma.

Bahá'í

In 1953, Frances Heller, of California, USA, became the first Bahá'í in Macau. It has four Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Islam

Islam has a history over 400 years in Macao. In the 16th century, Islam was brought to Macao by Arab and Persian traders. Later on, the status of Macao as a trading spot declined, and with many Arabian merchants leaving the place, believers in Islam had dwindled as well.