The institutional limitations of Catholic progressivism: an economic approach

摘要: From the vantage point of 1970s and early 1980s, Latin American Catholic Church appeared to be on a trajectory increasing progressivism, typically manifesting itself as “preferential option for poor”. Recently, however, hierarchy has experienced “conservative retrenchment”. Why this change occurred? Argues that need maintain high profile in democratic societies experiencing rapid growth evangelical Protestantism led officials return an elite‐based, conservative political strategy. Suggests lacking resources compete adequately with expansion Protestantism, bishops have turned lobbying economic elite help them their social presence prevent further parishioner defections from faith. Ironically, at time when most needs state assistance effectively, politicians are least likely lend support.