As mulheres no Pentecostalismo mexicano. Notas para a história. (Os pioneiros, 1910-1948)

This work dealt with the relationship between religious participation and female identity, and its connection in the male power relationships in Mexico. Some anthropological aspects of religious conversion and identity have been considered as a theoretical basis in the analysis and interpretation of the oral and written testimony of women converted to Pentecostalism between 1910 and 1948. It is proposed that conversion has been a fundamental element in creating new values and conduct; in the use of the body and feelings toward the sacred. In effect, although women may develop leadership skills, they do not have access to key positions in the decision making and direction of the churches, nor may they be recognized in religious positions such as pastors or bishops, specifically reserved for men only.This work dealt with the relationship between religious participation and female identity, and its connection in the male power relationships in Mexico. Some anthropological aspects of religious conversion and identity have been considered as a theoretical basis in the analysis and interpretation of the oral and written testimony of women converted to Pentecostalism between 1910 and 1948. It is proposed that conversion has been a fundamental element in creating new values and conduct; in the use of the body and feelings toward the sacred. In effect, although women may develop leadership skills, they do not have access to key positions in the decision making and direction of the churches, nor may they be recognized in religious positions such as pastors or bishops, specifically reserved for men only.Neste trabalho tratou-se da relação entre a participação religiosa e identidade feminina, e o seu vínculo com as relações de poder masculino no México. Tem-se considerado, como base teórica, alguns aspectos antropológicos da conversão e da identidade religiosa, a partir da interpretação dos testemunhos orais e escritos da mulher convertida ao pentecostalismo, entre 1910 e 1948. Propõe-se que a conversão tenha sido parte fundamental da criação de novos valores e condutas; do uso do corpo e sentimentos em relação ao sagrado. Com efeito, as mulheres embora tenham desenvolvido capacidades de liderança, não tiveram acesso a posições importantes na tomada de decisões e rumos das igrejas, nem foram reconhecidas nos cargos religiosos como pastoras ou bispas, posições reservadas somente para os homens