What is it like to live in a country where celebrations like Christmas and Holy Week have been abolished by law?
This is the reality in Uruguay, a nation of 10 million people, often regarded as the most secularized country in the Americas. Just north of Uruguay, Brazil offers a contrasting landscape—evangelicals are on the rise, and Christian music ranks among the most-streamed genres on digital platforms.
Contrasts and inequalities define Latin America, a theme reflected in this selection of 15 of the most-read reports about the region published by CT over the year.
Brazil’s Doug Wilson Debacle Revives Debate Over Cancel Culture
Erica Neves
Is dropping the controversial American pastor from a conference a biblical move or a political one?
Global Methodists Find Joy in Costa Rica
Daniel Silliman in San José, Costa Rica
A convening General Conference approves the new denomination with singing, prayer, a constitution, and interim bishops.
Was Carnival Rapture Warning Courageous or Inappropriate? Brazil Debates Eschatology
Franco Iacomini
After pop star’s surprise witness ends with a bang, evangelical leaders discuss whether to axe apocalypse talk as ineffective evangelism.
How Colombia Became South America’s Hardest Country to Be a Christian
Hernán Restrepo
Officially, the country protects religious liberties better than most in the region. On the ground, it’s more complicated.
Brazilian Evangelicals Are Split on Lausanne’s Legacy
Franco Iacomini
Latin American Christians developed integral mission theology. Do they still want to own it?
Brazilian Pop Stars Are Praising God with Their Voices. What About with Their Hearts?
Franco Iacomini
As Brazilian gospel music’s popularity soars, artists with little Christian background are releasing worship songs. Does it matter why?
As Nicaragua Cancels Hundreds of Churches, Pastors and Advocates Debate Impact
Franco Iacomini
Hundreds of evangelical ministries lose legal status as Ortega regime confiscates assets and imposes up to 30 percent fee on offerings.
If Panama Closes the Darién Gap, Would Evangelicals Care?
Franco Iacomini
(UPDATED) Migrant rights have been off-radar for many Panamanian Christians. But as pressures increase, some are speaking out ahead of this weekend’s general elections.
How the Gaucho Stole Easter in Uruguay
Franco Iacomini
More than 100 years ago, Latin America’s most secular country abolished Christian holidays. Local church leaders have struggled to reclaim them since.
Come, Follow Me: Brazil’s Christian Influencers Outcompete Pastors for Attention
Carlos Segundo
Evangelical leaders warn against spiritual immaturity and economic impulses in the social media landscape.
How Indigenous Conflicts in Chile Ended up Targeting Christians
Israel Viches
Mapuche attacks against the government and environmental companies have included the arson of numerous churches.
‘Offering Everything They Have’: How Small Churches Are Saving Lives in Brazil’s Floods
Franco Iacomini
In the country’s most secular state, tiny congregations have made a big impact by their disaster response.
Mexican Female Leaders Are Breaking Through Politically. Are Evangelical Women Too?
Compiled by Franco Iacomini
Four leaders weigh in on whether a woman president will change gender dynamics in the church.
Venezuelan Churches Brace for Migration Wave After Disputed Maduro Election
Franco Iacomini
Evangelicals call for peace amid violent crackdown against opposition demonstrators.
How Colombia’s Most Popular Christian Artist Landed in Houston
Hernán Restrepo
Alex Campos has a new home in Texas and a new musical focus—Latin worship.
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The post Praise and Persecution: 15 stories of Latin America in 2024 appeared first on Christianity Today.
