Apostles and Zionists: The influence of religion on demographic change in rural Zimbabwe

Religion has acted as a brake on demographic transition in a number of hist orical and contemporary populations. In a study in two rural areas of Zimba bwe, we found substantial differences in recent demographic treads between Mission and Independent or 'Spirit-type' churches. Birth rates are higher i n some Spirit-type churches and, until recently, infant mortality was also higher. Recent increases in mortality were seen within Mission churches but not in Spirit-type churches, Missiological and ethnographic data indicate that differences in religious teaching on healthcare-seeking and sexual beh aviour and differences in church regulation could explain this contrast in demographic patterns. More restrictive norms on alcohol consumption and ext ra-marital relationships in Spirit-type churches may limit the spread of HI V and thereby reduce its impact an mortality. These contrasting trends will influence the future religious and demographic profile of rural population s in Zimbabwe.