Pray for Dominican Republic
The capital of the Dominican Republic, founded in 1496, one of the oldest European cities in the Americas.
Photo: Jose Juan C, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Dominican Republic
The capital is Santo Domingo. People speak Spanish. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Dominican Republic
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
The Dominican Republic continues large-scale deportations of Haitians without papers. The migration authority said about 68,000 were deported in January and February 2026 alone, at a pace of about 10,000 a week, and a wall is being built along the border. International bodies have urged a different approach because of the violence in Haiti.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
The Dominican Republic is a presidential republic led by President Luis Abinader. He ordered the mass deportation policy in October 2024 and has said the country will keep enforcing its migration laws and will not allow refugee camps on its territory. He has also said the country has helped Haitians through its health system.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The IMF expects the economy to grow by about 4% in 2026, among the faster rates in Latin America, with inflation expected to return to the target range of about 4% by the end of the year.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
The country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, and many Haitians live and work in the Dominican Republic. Migrants without papers, and families caught up in raids and deportations, are among the most vulnerable. Relations between the two nations, and between communities, need patience, care and justice for all.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
Surveys by Pew and Latinobarometro since 2014 suggest more than half of Dominicans are Catholic, about 20% to 30% are evangelical Protestant, and about 18% have no religion. There are also Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, small Jewish and Muslim communities and others. Churches are found in every province.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution provides for freedom of conscience and worship. A 1954 concordat makes Catholicism the official religion and gives the Catholic Church privileges others do not have. A law calls for daily Bible reading in public schools, but observers say it is not enforced. Other groups say registration is hard and they lack equal support.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Hispaniola was colonised by Spain, and the eastern part of the island later broke away to become the Dominican Republic, while Haiti formed in the west. The long and painful history between the two nations still shapes how their peoples see each other today.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for the Dominican Republic. Protect every migrant and every family affected by deportations, and let mercy and justice meet. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to President Abinader and all in authority. Let growth bring provision to every household, and let stewardship be honest. Bring peace between Dominicans and Haitians, and protect the vulnerable on both sides of the border. Stir a fresh hunger for You in every church and home, and let every believer worship freely. Heal the old wounds of the island, and lead both nations in forgiveness and friendship. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- ZOL FM: nearly 68,000 Haitians deported in early 2026 (March 2026)
- CBC Barbados: Dominican Republic will continue to deport Haitians (March 2024)
- DMK Lawyers: IMF expects about 4% growth in 2026 (June 2026)
- US State Department: 2023 Religious Freedom Report, Dominican Republic (2024)
- Britannica: Haiti and Hispaniola summary
More ways to pray
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