The Traditional and Present Role of the Church in Latin America
The Traditional and Present Role of the Church in Latin America

Summary/Abstract: In the past few decades, that is after the Second Vatican Council the traditional role of the Roman Catholic Church in many Latin American countries has changed very considerably. Latin America originated the controversial "Theology of Liberation", which requires the involvement of the Church in the politics and sometimes uses Marxist rhetoric. The Catholic Church lost its previous unanimity and the progressive hierarchy and clergy in some countries began to promote new trends within it. This involved pastoral and social activities, the proliferation of so-called "church base communities" and a critical stand or even resistance against the military regimes. But nowadays the Catholic Church is still facing the challenge of finding its new role and mission in contemporary Latin America.

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