A syncretic Christianity
One can speak of New Caledonian syncretism insofar as the local faithful mix various ancestral beliefs (ancestor worship, respect for totems or observance of taboos) with Christian religious practice. The religious affiliation of the main ethnic groups in the territory differs. While the Kanaks are equally divided between Protestantism and Catholicism (the Protestant missions concentrated their evangelization on the Loyalty Islands where they converted 70% of the population), the vast majority of practicing Europeans are Catholic, as are the Wallisians. Of the total population, the Catholic Church represents 60% of the faithful, the Protestant Church 30%, and the Muslim community 3% (mostly Indonesians), the rest being distributed among the various evangelical churches and sects.
Kanak beliefs
Before the arrival of Europeans in 1842, the Kanak people of the Loyalty Islands relied on a set of rituals and prohibitions. They bore witness to original religious beliefs that later disappeared under the influence of evangelization. Polytheism and animism coexisted, the belief that nature is governed by souls and spirits. The mysteries of human life and destiny became sacred objects and cults whose details are still unknown. Respect for ancestral beliefs, totems and certain taboos plays a very important role in the daily life of the locals. This is especially true for the Kanaks, for whom the respect of customs is absolutely essential. All these very important rules apply especially during the most important ceremonies of life such as birth, marriage and death. On these occasions, these traditional practices blend well with more traditional religions. For example, before visiting a village or entering a private property, you must first meet the chief and give him a small gift: this is the custom. If he accepts, he will give you a welcome speech and you will be free to move around.
