Religion and political conflict in Venezuela: Catholics and Evangelicals vis-a-vis the government of Hugo Chávez

Abstract

This article looks at the complex relationship of the Chavez government, the Catholic Church and the Evangelical movement. The Chávez government has repeatedly clashed with the Catholic hierarchy as it has sought to overturn existing institutions, including the Church. In contrast, it has reached out to the Evangelical movement in the process of establishing alliances with new social and political actors. Nevertheless, the responses of Catholic priests and Evangelical pastors have varied. Priests who do not have a connection with the hierarchy and work with members of the popular sectors tend to support the Chávez government. Similarly, pastors that adhere to neo-Pentecostal "dominion theology" and do not have a connection with the main Evangelical umbrella group support Chávez.

Venezuela; Hugo Chávez; Catholic Church; Evangelical movement