The Political Transformation of the Brazilian Catholic Church

This 1974 book provides an institutional and historical analysis of the Brazilian Church.

Thomas C. Bruneau (Author)

9780521098489, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 February 1974

288 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.43 kg

This 1974 book provides an institutional and historical analysis of the Brazilian Church, focusing in particular on its political role in relation to the state and society. There is a great interest in the Catholic Church in Latin America, both as an institution and as a progressive social force. The author pays special attention to the part played by the Church in the 'Brazilian Revolution' before 1964. By analyzing its internal reactions to changes in the external political order, he explains why the Church regressed after 1964 and from this develops an explanation of how change took place in the Church. The various threads of Professor Bruneau's analysis are brought together in the final section of the book. Here, it is shown that conflicts between Church and state are inevitable, and that they promise to change the whole system of which the Church has always been an integral part.

List of tables
Preface and acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. The Political and Religious Bases of Catholicism in Brazil: 1. Establishment, decay and separation from the state
2. The revolution of 1930: Church–state reintegration
Part II. The Church Faces the Modern World, 1950–64: 3. Socio-political threats of the modern world
4. In search of a new approach to influence: promotion of social change
Part III. The Church after 1964: 5. Institutionalization of strategies for social change: the CNBB
6. Demands of the times and responses in the hierarchy
7. Strategies for the promotion of change in the Church
8. The 'experiences' of four dioceses: obstacles to change
Section IV. The Church and State in Conflict: 9. Origins and process of conflict
10. Consequences of conflict: autonomy and the prophetic mission
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: General & world history [HBG]