Historia ewangelizacji Charcas (Boliwia) w XVI-XVIII wieku
The History of Evangelisation of Charcas (Bolivia) in 16th to 18th Century

Summary/Abstract: Three-century long, colonial history of the Church of Charcas is a typical example of Church’s development in the New World. The Spanish conquest arrived at the area of today’s south-west Bolivia and evangelisation proceeded along with their structures of the colonial administration. Less than twenty years after the beginning of the conquest of the Inca empire, in 1551, the Diocese of Charcas, located in Chuquisaca (now Sucre), was established and in 1609, it was raised to the rank of archdiocese. After organising a network of doctrines and parishes, the evangelisation of the Indians became more efficient. In Chuquisaca and other cities seminaries were established and synods were convened to discuss the administrative and evangelisation issues. Subsequently, the missionary action was directed to the areas of today’s eastern and central Bolivia. The existing in the Archdiocese of Charcas shrines and brotherhoods contributed to the development of religion and promotion of folk religious art. The big challenge turned out to be Indian rebellions that interfered with the catechetical action and sacramental practice. Contemporary socio-religious transformations in Bolivia take their roots back to the times of evangelisation in the 16th to the 18th century.

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