I do agree that this is a step towards authoritarianism, as it is an elimination of an institution that holds social power, but I do not think democratic values grow through the catholic church,...
I do agree that this is a step towards authoritarianism, as it is an elimination of an institution that holds social power, but
In Nicaragua, as in much of Latin America, the Catholic Church is the most powerful source of social authority and the largest independent institution for public debate. It represents a key channel through which democratic values may take root, grow and thrive – an obstacle, in the regime’s eyes.
I do not think democratic values grow through the catholic church, and the country would be just as authoritarian had they leaned in and let the church control their government.
It seems like it depends on circumstances? When the Catholic church isn’t cooperating with the regime then it could be important for the opposition. As it seems to be in this case.
It seems like it depends on circumstances? When the Catholic church isn’t cooperating with the regime then it could be important for the opposition. As it seems to be in this case.
Sure, I just don’t agree with that specific paragraph. To me it would have made more sense to say something like “institutions that share political power are important to upholding a strong...
Sure, I just don’t agree with that specific paragraph. To me it would have made more sense to say something like “institutions that share political power are important to upholding a strong democracy” because an entire country run by one institution, no matter which, is never democratic.
The Catholic Church has been an advocate for democracy in Nicaragua in the past decades. They've often been a voice against authoritarianism there, and in favor of protecting native peoples...
The Catholic Church has been an advocate for democracy in Nicaragua in the past decades. They've often been a voice against authoritarianism there, and in favor of protecting native peoples against corporations and the government. The state harassment of the Church is directly in response to that.
Despite my personal feelings about the Church, in Nicaragua it does seem that the statement you object to is accurate.
The Nicaraguan government recently shut down more than 1,500 nonprofits – many of them civic and religious groups doing humanitarian work in a country long mired in political violence, economic upheaval and social strife.
The August 2024 closures were the latest in a long-running crackdown on civil society, including religious groups – some of the last influential, independent organizations in the country. That same month, the government revoked churches’ tax-exempt status. Over the past few years, many houses of worship have been closed or had their bank accounts frozen.
I do agree that this is a step towards authoritarianism, as it is an elimination of an institution that holds social power, but
I do not think democratic values grow through the catholic church, and the country would be just as authoritarian had they leaned in and let the church control their government.
It seems like it depends on circumstances? When the Catholic church isn’t cooperating with the regime then it could be important for the opposition. As it seems to be in this case.
Sure, I just don’t agree with that specific paragraph. To me it would have made more sense to say something like “institutions that share political power are important to upholding a strong democracy” because an entire country run by one institution, no matter which, is never democratic.
The Catholic Church has been an advocate for democracy in Nicaragua in the past decades. They've often been a voice against authoritarianism there, and in favor of protecting native peoples against corporations and the government. The state harassment of the Church is directly in response to that.
Despite my personal feelings about the Church, in Nicaragua it does seem that the statement you object to is accurate.
From the article: