The Catholic Church and Power Politics in Latin America

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. -- Jose Luis Saez 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