Benin - Men are standing or sitting in boats - Photo: Noemie_gi

Benin

Benin is a small country bordering western Nigeria. It is the birthplace of Vodun (commonly known as Voodoo), and Christianity is viewed by many in the north as a threat to their traditional beliefs. Vodun is an official religion of the country, and "Vodun Days" is a public holiday. Christianity is the largest religion in Benin, particularly due to the French colonial influence, but the influence of traditional religions remains strong and can result in religious syncretism.

Life for Christians:

Persecution is prevalent in the north. New converts to Christianity are beaten and sometimes killed, while church buildings are routinely destroyed. Villages keep evangelists out and prevent construction of new churches.

  • Country Information

    BeninPopulation
    Population
    14,219,908(2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Fon and related (38.4), Adja and related (15.1), Yoruba and related (12), Bariba and related (9.6), Fulani and related (8.6), Ottamari and related (6.1), Yoa-Lokpa and related (4.3), Dendi and related (2.9), other (0.9), (foreigner 1.9) (2013 est.)

    Religions (%)
    Christian (48.5), Muslim (27.7), Vodoun (11.6), other traditional religions (2.6), other (2.6), none (5.8) (2013 est.)

    Leader
    President Patrice Talon (2016)

    Government type
    Presidential Republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system modeled largely on the French system and some customary law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Benin

    Pray that believers will be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" as they seek to witness to their neighbours and families (Matthew 10:16). Ask God to fill them with boldness; that they will be faithful despite whatever opposition they might face. Intercede on behalf of those who do not know Christ, that they will comprehend His love and grace for them and surrender to Him.

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Benin News

  • Church Building Destroyed on National Vodun Day
    A man standing in front of a destroyed building.
    The pastor in front of the destroyed church building.
    Photo: VOM USA

    Considered the birthplace of the ancient tribal faith of vodun (commonly referred to as voodoo), many residents in the West African country of Benin continue with religious practices that commonly involve animal sacrifices and talismans to ward off evil. These practices are so widespread in Benin that January 10th is celebrated as National Vodun Day.

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  • Church in Benin destroyed by Militant Muslims
    Benin
    Church building after destructon
    Photos from Christian Aid

    Last January, according to a March 2 report from Christian Aid, after completing the construction of a simple church building for worship, it was destroyed three days later by local Muslims. The church was established among the Ayizo tribe by a native missionary working with Christ's Power Ministries (CPM). Four months earlier, CPM's centre of discipleship was also destroyed. Ministry leader, Claude Sossa, has also had two of his schools of missions destroyed.

    Islam is rapidly spreading in Africa. It is estimated that thirty percent of Benin's population is now Muslim.

    Ask God to give these church members in Benin boldness of faith so that they will continue to meet together despite opposition (Hebrews 10:23-25).

    Pray that the leadership of CPM will eagerly follow through with the tasks God has given them (I Peter 5:1-4). Pray that persecutors will know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of His people (Romans 12:14, 21).

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