Unexpected Protection of Religious Liberty in Latin America: The Role of the Catholic Church
By Leighton Garner
As Bob Dylan famously sang in 1965, “You don’t need a weatherman to see which way the wind blows.” The same can be said about Protestant religious liberty in the United States and around the world—the winds of persecution are blowing stronger than ever. A glance at the headlines is enough to reveal that Christians face increasing hostility, not only from extremist groups like ISIS but also from atheists, political progressives, and individuals who simply cannot tolerate anything that reminds them of God.
We are undeniably living in a post-Christian era in much of the modern world. However, that shift has not yet taken full hold in Latin America. And while Protestant churches in Panama and other Latin American countries have long-standing doctrinal differences with the Catholic Church, they ironically have Catholic influence to thank for the protection of religious liberty in the region.
In Panama, for example, the government still funds Christmas decorations—including crosses and Nativity scenes—in public spaces during the holiday season. Imagine that happening in New York or California! The lawsuits and outrage from anti-religious groups would be endless. But in Latin America, where Catholicism holds significant political and cultural influence, traditional Christian values—including religious freedoms—are still largely upheld. Protestant churches, though theologically distinct from Catholicism, have benefited from the Catholic Church’s strong political stance on issues such as religious expression, morality, and family values.Coexistence Amidst Theological Divides
The divide between Protestants and Catholics dates back to the Reformation, which marked its 500th anniversary in 2017. When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, he ignited a religious movement that led to centuries of theological debate, persecution, and even martyrdom. Today, however, Protestants and Catholics coexist peacefully, despite fundamental doctrinal differences:
Authority: The Catholic Church upholds the Pope as infallible, while Bible-believing Protestants assert that all humans are fallible and that salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone—not through priests or sacraments. Communion: Catholics believe in transubstantiation—that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. Protestants, however, see Communion as a symbolic act of remembrance. Scripture: The Catholic Church teaches that the Bible, the Pope, and Church councils determine doctrine. Protestants adhere to Sola Scriptura—the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority. Additional Doctrines: Practices like indulgences, purgatory, and prayers to saints are viewed by many Protestants as extra-biblical and incompatible with biblical Christianity.
These theological disagreements have led some Protestant scholars to question whether Catholicism qualifies as true Christianity, while Catholic theologians strongly disagree. Yet, despite these differences, both groups largely share a common cultural and moral foundation, particularly in Latin America.The Future of Religious Liberty in Latin America
Panama is one of the most developed cities in Central America, rapidly modernizing and integrating global influences. However, with modernization often comes ideological shifts. How long will it be before religious liberties in Latin America begin to erode? If history is any indication, the cultural and political trends that shape the United States, China, and other major world powers will eventually reach Latin America—whether welcomed or not.
Many are aware of the historical influence of the United States in Panama, from its role in establishing the nation to the construction of the Panama Canal. Even today, Panama uses the U.S. dollar (rebranded as the Balboa). But fewer people recognize the growing influence of China.
Since before the Panama Canal, Chinese investment has been shaping the country—beginning with the Panamanian railroad and continuing with large-scale infrastructure projects. In 2017, the Chinese government took a more direct approach, funding all-expense-paid trips for hundreds of young Panamanians to attend economic and globalization seminars in China. These trips, hosted by the Chinese government, expose participants to a worldview in which Christianity is increasingly repressed.
China’s anti-religious stance is no secret. In an October 2017 speech, President Xi Jinping made it clear that China rejects Western democratic ideals and opposes "erroneous" ideologies, promoting a version of religion that aligns with Communist Party doctrine. In 2016, he called for increased government control over religion, urging leaders to ensure that faith serves the interests of socialism.
This kind of influence does not remain contained within China's borders. As China strengthens its political and economic ties with Latin America, the question arises: Will its anti-religious policies follow?A Call for True Religious Freedom
In Panama and many other Latin American countries, Protestants, Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, and others live side by side. This religious diversity should be preserved in any just and civilized society. Unfortunately, groups like ISIS and radical progressives see no room for such coexistence when it comes to Christianity.
True religious freedom means allowing all faiths to exist peacefully—so long as they do not advocate violence. To suppress Christianity, or any faith, in the name of "tolerance" is nothing short of hypocrisy. In a democratic society, no one has the right to erase another's beliefs simply because they disagree.
Those who seek to silence Christianity—whether through outright violence or ideological suppression—are not fighting for equality; they are advocating for a new form of oppression. It is up to believers, both Protestant and Catholic, to remain vigilant and stand firm in the face of cultural and political shifts.
How long will Latin America’s religious liberty remain intact? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: those who value their faith must be prepared to defend it—before it’s too late.
As Bob Dylan famously sang in 1965, “You don’t need a weatherman to see which way the wind blows.” The same can be said about Protestant religious liberty in the United States and around the world—the winds of persecution are blowing stronger than ever. A glance at the headlines is enough to reveal that Christians face increasing hostility, not only from extremist groups like ISIS but also from atheists, political progressives, and individuals who simply cannot tolerate anything that reminds them of God.
We are undeniably living in a post-Christian era in much of the modern world. However, that shift has not yet taken full hold in Latin America. And while Protestant churches in Panama and other Latin American countries have long-standing doctrinal differences with the Catholic Church, they ironically have Catholic influence to thank for the protection of religious liberty in the region.
In Panama, for example, the government still funds Christmas decorations—including crosses and Nativity scenes—in public spaces during the holiday season. Imagine that happening in New York or California! The lawsuits and outrage from anti-religious groups would be endless. But in Latin America, where Catholicism holds significant political and cultural influence, traditional Christian values—including religious freedoms—are still largely upheld. Protestant churches, though theologically distinct from Catholicism, have benefited from the Catholic Church’s strong political stance on issues such as religious expression, morality, and family values.Coexistence Amidst Theological Divides
The divide between Protestants and Catholics dates back to the Reformation, which marked its 500th anniversary in 2017. When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, he ignited a religious movement that led to centuries of theological debate, persecution, and even martyrdom. Today, however, Protestants and Catholics coexist peacefully, despite fundamental doctrinal differences:
Authority: The Catholic Church upholds the Pope as infallible, while Bible-believing Protestants assert that all humans are fallible and that salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone—not through priests or sacraments. Communion: Catholics believe in transubstantiation—that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. Protestants, however, see Communion as a symbolic act of remembrance. Scripture: The Catholic Church teaches that the Bible, the Pope, and Church councils determine doctrine. Protestants adhere to Sola Scriptura—the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority. Additional Doctrines: Practices like indulgences, purgatory, and prayers to saints are viewed by many Protestants as extra-biblical and incompatible with biblical Christianity.
These theological disagreements have led some Protestant scholars to question whether Catholicism qualifies as true Christianity, while Catholic theologians strongly disagree. Yet, despite these differences, both groups largely share a common cultural and moral foundation, particularly in Latin America.The Future of Religious Liberty in Latin America
Panama is one of the most developed cities in Central America, rapidly modernizing and integrating global influences. However, with modernization often comes ideological shifts. How long will it be before religious liberties in Latin America begin to erode? If history is any indication, the cultural and political trends that shape the United States, China, and other major world powers will eventually reach Latin America—whether welcomed or not.
Many are aware of the historical influence of the United States in Panama, from its role in establishing the nation to the construction of the Panama Canal. Even today, Panama uses the U.S. dollar (rebranded as the Balboa). But fewer people recognize the growing influence of China.
Since before the Panama Canal, Chinese investment has been shaping the country—beginning with the Panamanian railroad and continuing with large-scale infrastructure projects. In 2017, the Chinese government took a more direct approach, funding all-expense-paid trips for hundreds of young Panamanians to attend economic and globalization seminars in China. These trips, hosted by the Chinese government, expose participants to a worldview in which Christianity is increasingly repressed.
China’s anti-religious stance is no secret. In an October 2017 speech, President Xi Jinping made it clear that China rejects Western democratic ideals and opposes "erroneous" ideologies, promoting a version of religion that aligns with Communist Party doctrine. In 2016, he called for increased government control over religion, urging leaders to ensure that faith serves the interests of socialism.
This kind of influence does not remain contained within China's borders. As China strengthens its political and economic ties with Latin America, the question arises: Will its anti-religious policies follow?A Call for True Religious Freedom
In Panama and many other Latin American countries, Protestants, Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, and others live side by side. This religious diversity should be preserved in any just and civilized society. Unfortunately, groups like ISIS and radical progressives see no room for such coexistence when it comes to Christianity.
True religious freedom means allowing all faiths to exist peacefully—so long as they do not advocate violence. To suppress Christianity, or any faith, in the name of "tolerance" is nothing short of hypocrisy. In a democratic society, no one has the right to erase another's beliefs simply because they disagree.
Those who seek to silence Christianity—whether through outright violence or ideological suppression—are not fighting for equality; they are advocating for a new form of oppression. It is up to believers, both Protestant and Catholic, to remain vigilant and stand firm in the face of cultural and political shifts.
How long will Latin America’s religious liberty remain intact? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: those who value their faith must be prepared to defend it—before it’s too late.
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