What are the Religions in Niue?
Niue is a religious country, particularly devoted to Christianity. Christianity was introduced on the island more than 150 years ago and has been going strong ever since. Christianity influences cultural norms, such as observing Sunday as a day of worship and rest, while the church plays a large part in social interactions, provides guidance and redistributes goods and services to those in need. As a visitor, being part of a church service or observing Christian holidays with the locals is a good way to immerse in the local culture. Find out more about the religions in Niue in the guide below.
Before we get into our guide to the religions of Niue, be sure to bookmark The Guide to the Niuean Culture for Travellers for even more advice on the local customs and cultural experiences.
A Brief History of the Religions in Niue
Ancient religion in Niue was the belief in a supernatural world, which was the home of “aitu” or spirits of deceased ancestors. Aitu would monitor the living, punishing those who would flout social conventions. Aspects of this old religion are still believed today, such as that dying is a transitional process, and is why a “fono” or a prohibition is put on a place if there has been a death there, simply put.
The first white missionary arrived in Niue around 1830, but Niueans didn’t convert to Christianity until one of their own people who has been living in Samoa, Peniamina, returned to Niue and converted his village of Mutalau in 1846. By the time famous congregationalist minister and a missionary, George Lawes, arrived in Niue in 1861, almost all of the population of Niue welcomed him as devout Christians.
For more about the history of the island, see A Brief History of Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comChristianity in Niue
The religion most represented in Niue is Christianity with around 80% of the population identifying with one of Niue’s main Christian denominations. Religion is sacred in Niue, where Sundays are widely considered a day of worship and rest.
Where to Experience Christianity in Niue as a Visitor
Sunday worship is an integral part of the Niuean lifestyle for many. Visitors are welcome to join Sunday worship in one of the island’s village churches. Whether you’re religious or not, the experience of listening to beautiful harmonies sung by the locals is uplifting. It’s a great opportunity to experience a slice of life in Niue.
Note that appropriate dress needs to be worn for attending local church services, covering the knees of both men and women, wearing a collared shirt for men, a skirt for women and avoid wearing hats and all-white, as these have symbolic meanings in a church setting. Learn more about cultural etiquette in Niue Etiquette: What are the Local Customs in Niue?.
The Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas are special times to experience Niue when locals celebrate with special church services and festivals over the festive period. Learn more in Easter in Niue and Where to Spend Christmas in Niue.
Plus, check out more ways to experience the Niuean culture here.
Christian Denominations Represented in Niue
These are the main Christian denominations found in Niue in order of popularity:
- Ekalesia Niue (Congregational Christian Church of Niue)
- Latter-Day Saints
- Roman Catholic
- Jehovah’s Witness
- Seventh-Day Adventist.
(c) niuepocketguide.comOther Religions in Niue
Not much data is available for other religions in Niue. You will not find places of worship for other religions on the island other than the Christian denominations already mentioned.
According to Statistics Niue, around 8.6% of the population (around 130 people) observe another Christian denomination or religion not stated. 10% of the population (around 150 people) are either atheist or have not stated a religion in the national census.
Learn more about the people of Niue in this guide.
More About the Religions in Niue
- 10 Things to Do in Niue on a Sunday
- 5 Best Churches in Niue to Experience as a Visitor
- What is the Niue Language?
That’s it for the guide to the religions in Niue. Now check out The Complete Travel Guide to Niue and the 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue for even more trip-planning advice.
