Category:Venezuela
Venezuela is a country in South America.
Overview
Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Venezuela
Christianity (in its Roman Catholic form) was carried to South America in the 16th century by the Spanish conquistadors. Catholic practices, especially in rural areas, incorporated ancient indigenous ceremonies. Spanish colonial rule, from the 16th to early 19th centuries, gave the Catholic Church a situation of monopoly, enforced by the Inquisition.
In the 19th century, with the creation of the modern Venezuelan State and the arrival of numerous immigrants, the religious situation became more diverse.
Contemporary times
Today, the overwhelming majority of Venezuelan people identify themselves as Roman Catholics and the Catholic Church has a special role of predominance in Venezuelan society, even though the Venezuelan constitution grants freedom to all religions.
Venezuela used to have one the largest Jewish populations in Latin America, until recent tensions with the government have caused a massive emigration.
In recent decades Christian Evangelical Churches have also experienced an unprecedented growth.
In Depth
- Venezuelan Scholarship / Venezuelan Scholars -- survey of works by Venezuelan Scholars / biographies of Venezuelan Scholars
- Venezuelan Fiction / Venezuelan Authors -- survey of works by Venezuelan Authors / biographies of Venezuelan Authors
See also: Venezuela -- Spanish language