The Catholic church in Latin America: an evaluation of the institutional and political impacts of progressive church reforms

UnrestrictedLatin America's progressive church era during the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s provides an interesting reference point for the theory of religion's transformative potential. Building on concepts from social movement theory and studies on the economics of religion, Latin America's progressive transformation is examined with respect to its role in civic activism and its impact on the institution's structural growth. In response to Protestant competition, and as a result of political and economic hardships, liberal ecumenical reforms were introduced during Latin America's progressive church era that placed the religious community at the forefront of politics. The Church's role as a mobilizing structure contributed to its success in organizing society to combat oppressive regimes and to protest economic policies. Furthermore, the Church's recognition of structural limitations inhibiting its competitive strategy led to a shift in personnel recruitment that emphasized lay leadership and community involvement. Christian Base Communities empowered lay religious leaders and gave them a new and more hands-on role in evangelizing, as well as in defining the scope of religious involvement in every day affairs