The population of Oaxaca is mostly Catholic. From colonial times the evangelization process permeated the religious and cultural lives of the people of Oaxaca. Catholicism is very much present today, such that representatives of the Catholic church have played and continue to play various roles in education, welfare, health, and community development. In some communities, representatives are named by the community to coordinate with the priests in carrying out religious activities.

Protestant religions and minority groups have also appeared, mainly in rural areas. In some pueblos communities have been split, since some religious groups prohibit the tequio (compulsory community work), payment of taxes, and celebration of the festivals of patron saints.