The Guide to the Religions in American Samoa

Christianity is the dominant religion in American Samoa, with nearly the entire population identifying with a Christian denomination. Religion plays a central role in daily life, and Sundays are widely observed as a sacred day of worship and rest.

Where to Experience Christianity in American Samoa as a Tourist

Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday church services, which are held in nearly every village across the islands. Churches often serve as community centres, and attending a service is a great way to experience local culture, from the powerful a cappella hymns to the beautiful traditional attire worn by locals.

Leone, for example, is known for Zion Church, the oldest Christian church in American Samoa.

Note that anyone going to a church in American Samoa needs to dress respectfully, covering their knees and shoulders. Think your Sunday best! See more tips in the 5 Best Churches in American Samoa to Experience as a Visitor LINK#TTD006.

Many public holidays and celebrations surround Christianity in American Samoa, from White Sunday and Mother's and Father's Days, which you can learn more about in our guide to Public Holidays in American Samoa (& Other Important Dates) LINK#TTD024. Furthermore, the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter are also great times to be in American Samoa to witness celebrations of these holidays.

Christian Denominations Represented in American Samoa

These are the most prominent Christian denominations in American Samoa:

• Christians: 98%
• • Protestants: 76.02%
  • Catholics: 28.99%
  • Independents: 38.95%
  • Unaffiliated Christians: 0.72%

According to The Association of Religion Data Archives, approximately 98.3% of the population identifies as Christian. Among Christians, Protestants make up the largest segment, followed by Catholics and other Christian groups. A major Protestant denomination is the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa, which draws a significant portion of the population and follows a Reformed tradition.

The Catholic Church, under the Diocese of Samoa–Pago (established in 1982 by Pope John Paul II), includes at least 18 churches and 29 parishes, with its bishop based in the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Tafuna and the Co-cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in Fagatogo.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also has a strong presence, claiming over 16,500 members, nearly 30% of the territory's population as of April 2023. The church maintains 43 congregations and five family history centres.

Jehovah's Witnesses report around 210 ministers and three congregations throughout the islands.

The remaining percentage of religions in American Samoa is composed of other affiliations, including agnostics, Buddhists, Chinese folk-religionists and followers of the Baháʼí Faith.

Other Religion Denominations Represented in American Samoa

• Baha'is: 0.37%
• Buddhists: 0.34%
• Chinese folk-religionists: 0.42%
• Non-Religious: 0.88%
• • Agnostics: 0.87%
  • Atheists: 0.01%

The Baha’i Faith has a very limited presence in American Samoa, with no major sites.

Buddhism is practised by small groups, likely from immigrant communities, with limited public presence in the territory.

A minority of Chinese folk-religionists practice traditional beliefs involving ancestor worship and cultural rituals.

While the vast majority of American Samoans are Christian, a small portion of the population identifies as non-religious, including Agnostics and Atheists, reflecting secular or non-traditional beliefs.

Curious about religion in American Samoa? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What is the Main Religion in American Samoa?

The vast majority of people in American Samoa practice Christianity, with the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa (CCCAS) being the most widely followed denomination.

What Gods Do American Samoans Believe in?

Before the arrival of missionaries, Samoans believed in a range of gods and spirits tied to nature, such as the sea, sky, sun and earth. The god Tagaloa was considered the supreme deity. Today, most Samoans in American Samoa follow the Christian God.

Why Did American Samoans Convert to Christianity?

Several reasons are believed to explain the rapid adoption of Christianity. One Samoan legend tells of Nafanua, the war goddess, who prophesied the arrival of a new religion. Additionally, the Christian story of creation had similarities to traditional beliefs, and the goods brought by missionaries may have symbolised divine favour to local people.

Are American Samoan People Catholic?

Yes, Roman Catholicism is one of the major religious groups in the territory, making up nearly 29% of the Christian population according to The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA)

Are there any non-Christian religions practised in American Samoa?

According to ARDA, there are small communities practising other religions such as Bahá'í (0.37%), Buddhism (0.34%) and Chinese folk religion (0.42%), along with a modest number of non-religious, agnostic and atheist individuals making up less than 1% of the population.