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| Beginning Research | |
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| Botswana Background | |
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For information about records for non-Christian religions in Botswana, go to the Religious Records page.
Online Resources and Websites
- South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church Records (Stellenbosch Archive), 1690-2011, index and images, includes Botswana
- South Africa, Reformed Church Records, 1856-1988, images, includes Botswana
- British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms, Botswana, index and images, ($)
- British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms, Africa, index and images, ($)
- British Armed Forces and Overseas Banns and Marriages, Africa, index and images, ($)
- British Armed Forces and Overseas Deaths and Burials, index and images, ($)
Historical Background
An estimated 77% of the country's citizens identify as Christians. Anglicans, Methodists, and the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa make up the majority of Christians. There are also congregations of Lutherans, Baptists, Roman Catholics, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Dutch Reformed Church, Mennonites, Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses in the country. [1][2]
Information Recorded in the Records
Different denominations, different time periods, and practices of different record keepers will effect how much information can be found in the records. This outline will show the types of details which might be found (best case scenario):
Baptisms
In Catholic and Anglican records, children were usually baptized a few days after birth, and therefore, the baptism record proves date of birth. Other religions, such as Baptists, baptized at other points in the member's life. Baptism registers might give:
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Marriages
Marriage registers can give:
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Burials
Burial registers may give:
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How to Find Records
Digital Copies of Church Records in the FamilySearch Catalog
Watch for digitized copies of church records to be added to the collection of the FamilySearch Library. Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a Family History Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations. To find records:
- a. Click on the records of Botswana.
- b. Click on Places within Botswana and a list of towns will appear.
- c. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village.
- d. Click on the "Church records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
- e. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the listing for the record.
. The magnifying glass indicates that the record is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the records.
Writing for Records
You will probably need to write to or email the national archives, the diocese, or local parish priests to find records. See Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy for help with composing letters.
Catholic Church Records
Writing to a Local Parish
To locate the mailing address or e-mail address for a local parish, consult:
Historical Background
The Catholic Church in Botswana is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope in the Vatican City. Catholics represent about 5-6% of the total population. Initially Catholic missionaries were not allowed in Botswana by native tribes at the urging of Protestant missionaries who arrived first. Missionaries began to work in Botswana in 1928, and were noted for setting up schools and clinics. The church in Botswana is organized into the Diocese of Gaborone, which serves the southern portion of the country, and the Diocese of Francistown, which serves the faithful of northern communities.[3][4]
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Records
Online Records
Information is available to current members only for deceased members and immediate family members who are still living. Sign in to FamilySearch and then select Family Tree in the drop-down menu.
Historical Background
Total Church Membership: 3,524. Congregations:15.
Missionary work in Botswana began in 1990. Among the first converts was Kwasi Agyare Dwomoh, an architect from Ghana working for the Botswana government. Dwomoh was called as the first branch president in 1991. A branch is a small congregation. He later became the first district president in Botswana. By March of 1992, the fast-growing branch was ready to be divided into two branches as the membership had grown to 160. And in 1992 a third branch was organized in the city of Lobatse.[5]
Anglican (Episcopal) Church Records
Writing for Records
Historical Background
Baptist Church Records
Writing for Records
Jehovah's Witnesses Church Records
Writing for Records
Historical Background
Lutheran Church Records
Writing for Records
Historical Background
Mennonite Church Records
Writing for Records
Brethren In Christ Church
Plot 38817 Block6, Tlokweng
Gaborone, Botswana
PO Box 81207
Gaborone, Botswana
Phone number: 392 8492
Historical Background
Mennonite Central Committee began work in Botswana in the 1970s, providing schoolteachers and training in job skills. As a result of friendships with local African-Initiated Churches,Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission - with which Mennonite Mission Network is a partner--was invited to send Bible teachers. Beginning in 1975, six Mennonite denominations have sent workers to Botswana. In addition to Bible teaching among African-Initiated Churches, these workers are involved in AIDS education and counseling, community development, youth ministry, friendship evangelism, teaching and issues related to families.[6]
Methodist Church Records
Writing for Records
Historical Background
Seventh-day Adventist Church Records
Writing for Records
Historical Background
United Congregational Church Records
Writing for Records
Historical Background
References
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Botswana", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botswana, accessed 21 March 2020.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Botswana", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Botswana, accessed 21 March 2020.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Botswana", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Botswana, accessed 21 March 2020.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Catholic Church in Botswana", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Botswana, accessed 21 March 2020.
- ↑ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Facts and Statistics: Botswana, https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/Botswana, accessed 21 March 2020.
- ↑ "Botswana", Mennonite Mission Network, https://www.mennonitemission.net/Impact/locations/africa/Botswana, 21 March 2020.