I. Introduction: Faith and Politics Collide
Religion plays a powerful role in shaping Haitian society, but in recent years, divisions between different religious communities have deepened the country’s political crisis. Once seen as a source of unity and resilience, faith institutions are now increasingly entangled in partisan struggles, social polarisation, and competition for influence. These religious divisions aggravate instability, undermine social cohesion, and intensify the migration of citizens who feel excluded or threatened.

II. Historical Role of Religion in Haiti
Haiti’s religious landscape has long been diverse, encompassing Catholicism, Protestantism, Vodou, and smaller faith traditions. Religion has historically provided spiritual support during crises, from slavery and revolution to natural disasters. Yet, religion has also been politicised, with leaders using faith to consolidate power or marginalise dissenting communities.

III. Tensions Between Catholic and Protestant Churches
Catholic and Protestant groups increasingly clash over their role in public life. While Catholicism has traditionally dominated, the rapid growth of evangelical Protestantism has challenged its authority. Competition between these groups often spills into political arenas, fuelling rivalries and exacerbating divisions in an already fragile society.

IV. Persecution of Vodou Practitioners
Vodou, an integral part of Haiti’s cultural and spiritual heritage, continues to face discrimination and persecution. Evangelical groups often demonise Vodou as immoral or linked to criminality, leading to harassment and violence against practitioners. This stigmatisation of Vodou communities further divides Haitian society and contributes to marginalisation.

V. Religious Leaders in Politics
Religious leaders play increasingly prominent roles in politics, endorsing candidates, influencing policy, and mobilising congregations. While this involvement can strengthen civic engagement, it often reinforces partisanship and polarisation, blurring the lines between spiritual guidance and political agendas.

VI. Exploitation of Faith by Political Elites
Haitian political elites often exploit religious divisions to consolidate power. By aligning with particular religious groups, politicians secure votes while deepening sectarian rivalries. This manipulation of faith weakens national unity and undermines efforts to establish inclusive governance.

VII. Violence Against Religious Minorities
Religious minorities, particularly Vodou practitioners, have been targeted in violent attacks during periods of political unrest. Their temples have been burned, ceremonies disrupted, and leaders attacked. Such violence underscores how religious intolerance intertwines with broader instability, making minority faiths especially vulnerable.

VIII. Gender and Religious Exclusion
Women face particular vulnerabilities within religious divisions. Female Vodou practitioners, pastors, and lay leaders experience harassment not only because of their faith but also due to entrenched patriarchy. This dual discrimination intensifies their exclusion and limits their ability to participate in civic life.

IX. International Religious Influence
International religious organisations, especially evangelical missions, have shaped Haiti’s religious and political dynamics. Their rapid growth has shifted power balances, sometimes exacerbating tensions with traditional practices such as Vodou. This foreign influence contributes to religious competition and polarisation.

X. Migration of Religious Minorities
Faced with discrimination and persecution, many members of religious minority groups flee Haiti. Their asylum claims often highlight threats from both society and political actors aligned with dominant religious institutions. Migration thus becomes not only a means of physical survival but also of preserving spiritual freedom.

XI. Diaspora Faith Communities
Haitian religious communities abroad play a crucial role in supporting exiled believers. Through churches, temples, and associations, they provide spaces for worship and solidarity. They also advocate internationally for greater recognition of religious freedom issues in Haiti, amplifying the voices of persecuted communities.

XII. Conclusion: Faith as a Source of Division
Rather than uniting citizens, religion in Haiti has increasingly become a fault line that worsens political instability. Divisions between Catholic, Protestant, and Vodou communities reflect broader struggles for power, identity, and survival. Until Haiti embraces true pluralism and protects freedom of belief, religious divisions will continue to fuel political crisis and push vulnerable citizens into exile.