What Factors Caused the Growth of the Progressive Church in Latin America

What factors caused the growth of the progressive church in Latin America, and what is distinct about its followers' beliefs? Why has the progressive church lost so much of its influence in recent times?

There were numerous factors that contributed the growth of the progressive church in Latin America. Many years following World War II the Catholic Church began to move away from their conservative and traditional ways. This was first done in the 1960's by Pope John XXIII who appeared more liberal regarding views pertaining to social issues. "The Second Vatican Council" which was brought together by the Pope John from 1962-1965 shifted international Catholism from a conservative position to one that supported democracy. His new positions supported attributes of democracy such as civil rights and social justice. Another contributing factor to the growth of the progressive church was the Latin American Bishops Conference (CELAM) conference in 1968. This conference was created in order to apply the lessons the Second Vatican council. The CELAM's theme brought forth ideas of liberation and ending dependency among Latin America's poor. In addition the conference also emphasized preferences to the poor and needy as opposed to the historically showing preference to the power elite. Another contributing factor to the growth of the progressive church in Latin America was through Theologian priest Gustavo Gutierrez and other liberation theologians. Known as the father of "liberation theology", Liberation theology called on the Catholic clergy to become more politically active in addition to work actively toward freeing the poor. Gutierrez argued for the organization of Christian (Ecclesial) Base Communities (CEB) where the poor would be capable of raising their social and political consciousness. This was done by making members aware of community needs while deepening each member's knowledge of the gospel. The movement of CEB spread across Latin America most notably Peru, Chile, Brazil and Central America. However, in recent years the progressive church has lost much influence in recent times. What is most interesting is that Latin America's change from military dictatorships to democracy is a major reason. "Absent massive human rights violations and open assaults against the poor, Catholic clergy have generally been less motivated to enter the political arena" (Handelman, 2011). Another reason for the lost of influence in progressive church is due to the diversity of political parties in a democracy, moderate and radical clergy lacked a common foe. An additional reason for a decrease in the progressive church influence was many political activists who utilized the Church as protection during the time of military dictatorship left the Church to participate in politics through other political organizations. Lastly, progressive churches leaders retired or died they were replaced by more conservative