Ever since the European conquest of the new world, South America has been predominantly Roman Catholic. However, ever since the election of “President” Hugo Chavez, there has been great conflict between religion and government. The battle between fundamentalist Christians and President Hugo Chavez has had an adverse effect on religion in the country of Venezuela by instituting a continuous battle between the government and the church.
The ill effect on religion in Venezuela is seen mostly as a result of the expulsion of the US missionary group in 2005. The New Tribes Mission of the US has converted many members of the native tribes of the country and has “helped indigenous tribes during hard times when aid from government authority was scarce or nonexistent.”(MSNBC). However, Chavez strongly disliked these actions and thus expelled the missionary group from the country, for he viewed the missionaries as “imperialists” and has suggested, “American evangelists are part of a broader conspiracy in Washington to topple a president whose regional influence is growing thanks to massive oil revenues.”(BBC). Anything that could possibly hinder the political power of Chavez and Venezuela, especially anti-Communist Americans, is ultimately seen as threat. In addition, Chavez felt further resentment regarding religion when Pat Roberson, a televangelist, “suggested on-air that American operatives assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to stop his country from becoming ‘a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism.’”(USA Today). This outraged Chavez, who saw it as extremely immoral and uncalled for, and thus ousted the New Tribes Mission from the country.
Following the expulsion of the missionary group, Chavez has continued to suppress other religious entities throughout the country. For example, Chavez sees the powerful Church hierarchy as a threat, for “80% of the population is supportive of the Church and regards it as trustworthy.”(Marlin). This does not go in hand with Chavez’s idea of socialism, which “is revolutionary by nature” and has provoked “a growing political polarization, increased violence, insecurity and hatred, and seriously jeopardized a peaceful democratic society.” (CNA). The Catholic Church is an obstacle for Chavez, for he desires to transform the country and put it under his direct power without any other influences, especially one that believes “Chavez’s brand of socialism is not compatible with the teachings of the Church.” (Marlin). Thus, to curb its power, Chavez designed a law that ended traditional government subsidies to Catholic schools and ended the right of children to receive religious education in government-run schools.” (Marlin).
Despite Chavez’s attacks, the Catholic Church has remained in strong opposition to the government. For example, “in 2007, the bishops opposed Chavez’s constitutional reform referendum that would have given him dictatorial powers. The proposals, they said, were undemocratic and a massive attack on civil rights particularly freedom of expression.”(Marlin). In addition, the Catholic Church persists to battle the regime even after a government gang, La Esquina Caliente, physically assaulted [Cardinal Urosa].” (Marlin). While Chavez denies “he’s steering Venezuela toward a dictatorship,” Cardinal Urosa of Venezuela maintains, “Chavez aims to copy Cuba's communist model and has raised concerns the president is borrowing tactics from his close allies - Raul and Fidel Castro - to sideline adversaries and muffle dissent.” (CBS) The Catholic Church greatly disagrees with the attempts of Chavez to suppress human rights and manipulate the people and government.
Due to the socialist and overpowering views of Hugo Chavez, religion has been continually suppressed in Venezuela. This was first triggered when Pat Robertson ordered for the assassination of Chavez, which triggered Chavez to eliminate the New Tribes missionary group from the country. Since then, there has been on ongoing struggle between the respected Catholic Church and Chavez, who is continuously finding ways to strip the church of its power since it poses a threat to his own authoritative motives.
Works Cited
Agency, Catholic News. "Venezuelan Bishops Warn Chavez Is Jeopardizing Democratic Society :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)." Catholic News Agency. 9 June 2009. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/venezuelan_bishops_warn_chavez_is_jeopardizing_democratic_society/>.
Marlin, George J. "Hugo Chavez: Anti-Catholic, Narcissist, Leninist." Latest Articles. 16 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2716187/posts>.
Size, Font. "Chavez, Venezuelan Church Clash Over Freedoms - CBS News." Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. 12 July 2010. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/11/world/main6668823.shtml>.
"USATODAY.com - Pat Robertson Calls for Assassination of Hugo Chavez." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. 23 Aug. 2005. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-22-robertson-_x.htm>.
"Venezuelans Protest Chavez Missionary Threat - World News - Americas - Msnbc.com." Msnbc.com - Breaking News, Science and Tech News, World News, US News, Local News- Msnbc.com. 28 Oct. 2005. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9853894/ns/world_news-americas/>.