Globalization, civil society and religion from a Latin American standpoint - Statistical Data Included

Sociology of Religion, Winter, 2001 by Catalina Romero

The younger generation of Catholics are finding a somewhat re-established Church, but only at the level of civil society and not at the state level. Prestige and legitimacy have increased and acceptance into various groups has accelerated. Wearing externals symbols of membership in a faith group, such as habits or other Christian symbols, is now an expression of identity and power rather than a courageous testimony of faith in a hostile environment. Forces opposed to these transformed social relations, such as neo-traditional bishops and militant Catholic movements, are working to re-establish the former social distance between the laity and ordained priests by focusing on rituals.

The persistence of the Catholic religion in Latin America and its shift from the political sphere to civil society results from conscientious efforts to change the mission of the Church to one of social transformation. Many thousands of people, including lay people, have contributed to "pastoral work" through rituals and sacraments. As well, there have been ongoing opportunities for courses to become a member of a church community. The future of Catholicism in Latin America will depend, to a great extent, on the ability of these people to continue the process of making sense of the present reality.

Latin America has long hosted a variety of churches and denominations. Protestant intellectuals, as well as military men, have played a progressive role in the creation of independent nation states. Independence and freedom from colonial domination and rule of the King within the political sphere also meant a split within the religious sphere. In many countries such as Uruguay, Argentina and Mexico, Protestant influence on ideas helped differentiate the political sphere from the Catholic religious one (see Bastian 1990).

During the 18th century, Protestants formed networks of personal contacts throughout the continent. In some countries, however, Protestantism was not easily accepted. During periods of economic growth and social change in the 20th century, evangelical groups have intensified their missions in Latin America, something that happened in the 1940s in more industrialized countries. It was during the 1960s, a period of industrialization in Latin America, that efforts were increased to extend missions. By the 1980s various religious groups such as mainline Protestants, Seventh Day Adventists, evangelical groups, pentecostal churches, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Latter Day Saints, had all strengthened their missions in Latin America.

In Peru, the development of evangelical movements has been somewhat different. Evangelical denominations made slow, steady movement into the country until the 1980s, when the separation of church and state led to increased freedom for them to operate. Most of these groups have passed the mission stage and have trained local ministry teams and members. But there remains a question about the relations they will establish with society both at the state and local levels.