Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Development of the Dominican Catholic Church: A Comparative Perspective
Chapter 2: Church and Politics in Four Latin American Nations
Chapter 3: Finding a New Role in Society
Chapter 4: Mediator par Excellence
Chapter 5: Building a New Relationship with Society
Chapter 6: Evangelicals and Politics: Challenges and Opportunities
Conclusion
Appendix: Tables and Figures

About the Author

Emelio Betances is professor of sociology and Latin American studies at Gettysburg College.

Reviews

This is an interesting and substantial study. . . . Betances' work is something one does not see much of lately—a highly detailed institutional history of the Church in one country. . . . This is a valuable addition to the literature on religion and politics in Latin America.
*Latin American Studies*

In this well-written monograph, Emelio Betances examines the origins and development of this relationship in the Domincan Republic.
*Hispanic American Historical Review*

History has a curious and even dangerous way of showing us things that reality forces us to see day after day. It works like one of the enlargers we used in photography long before a computer sat on top of our desks. History is also the method Emelio Betances has chosen to focus on and illuminate that odd fellowship of the Catholic Church and the state in Latin America. He couldn’t have chosen a better method.
*José Luis Sáez Ramo, Academia Dominicana de la Historia*

At long last we have an illuminating study of one of the more interesting national churches in Latin America. The transformation of the Church from one that was subdued under the dictator Rafael Trujillo to one that successfully fulfilled a role as moderator in society and politics, built loyalty among its members, and responded to Pentecostal challengers is described by a Dominican scholar.
*Edward L. Cleary, Providence College*