The spread of Pentecostalism in Latin America

Abstract

This article presents an essay on the emergence and spread of Pentecostalism in Latin America and forecasts the further spread of Pentecostalism on the continent. The scientific novelty is due to the lack of research literature on the issue when the Pentecostal movement grew significantly in a region traditionally dominated by Catholicism. The 19th century saw the separation of church and state in most countries and the opening of borders to immigrants from Protestant countries, and at the end of the 20th century the largest Protestant Pentecostal churches became widespread. The role of international churches in Latin American Pentecostalism is analyzed, as well as regional characteristics of Protestantism development; the place of Pentecostalism in the Protestant movement is outlined. In the last decade the growth of Pentecostalism has slowed due to the secularization of society. It concludes that most of Latin America will remain Catholic, with many in the region viewing Catholicism solely as part of a cultural tradition.