Churches in Maryland

Religious Landscape of Maryland

Maryland was founded as a haven for English Catholics, and that heritage continues to shape the state's religious identity. The Catholic Church is the largest single denomination, and the Archdiocese of Baltimore is the oldest Catholic diocese in the United States. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, completed in 1821, was the first Catholic cathedral built in America. Beyond Catholicism, Maryland's religious landscape is remarkably diverse. The United Methodist Church has the most congregations of any Protestant body, with strength in the suburban and rural areas of central and western Maryland. Historically Black churches are a dominant force in Baltimore and Prince George's County, with AME, National Baptist, and Church of God in Christ congregations playing major roles in civic and community life. Empowerment Temple AME in Baltimore grew into a megachurch under dynamic pastoral leadership. The Episcopal Church maintains a historic presence, and the state's proximity to Washington, D.C. attracts diverse faith communities from around the world. Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Korean Christian communities all have significant institutional presences, particularly in the D.C. suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Maryland's adherence rate of about 48% is near the national average.