The transition from evangelical influence to secularism: historical and contemporary case studies
The influence of evangelical movements on societies has sometimes led to tensions between the religious sphere and secular principles, especially when scandals or political events have shaken public confidence. This report examines several cases where regions or cities initially marked by a strong evangelical or religious anchoring have made a transition to a more secularized model, often in response to institutional crises, abuses of power or societal conflicts.
1. Brazil: the boom and the limits of evangelical power in a constitutionally secular state
Brazil, constitutionally secular since 1891, experienced a rise in evangelical churches from the 1980s, in particular the Pentecostal and neo-Pentecostal currents. These groups, such as the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, have capitalized on their establishment in working -class neighborhoods and their media use to become major political actors. Their support for Jair Bolsonaro in 2018 illustrates their ability to mobilize electorates around a conservative discourse.
However, the alliance between evangelical and power has exacerbated tensions with other religious groups and aroused criticism of state neutrality. Corruption scandals, as THE Lava jato (2014-2015)have weakened traditional parties and strengthened the calls for more strict separation between religion and politics. Although Brazil remains mainly religious, these crises have fueled a debate on respect for constitutional secularism.
2. Besançon (France): The decline of an emblematic evangelical church
Founded in 1963 by Aldo Benzi, the evangelical church The Besançon mission experienced a rapid boom, with up to 4,000 members in the 1980s. Its influence extended through a national network of churches. However, opaque funding methods and accusations of sectarian aberrations have tainted its reputation. In 1995 and 1999, she appeared in French parliamentary reports on sects.
In 2005a matter of manners involving leaders caused a split and a collapse of the community. The number of faithful has dropped drastically, and the affiliated churches have lost their public visibility. This decline illustrates how internal scandals can precipitate religious disaffection and strengthen transparency requirements.
3. Quebec (Canada): From Catholic domination to state secularism
Until the 1960s, Quebec was under the influence of the Catholic Church, which controlled education, health and social services. The Quiet Revolution (1960-1970) marked a radical rupture: the State laicized the institutions, withdrawing from the religious their institutional power. This transition has been accelerated by revelations on abuses in orphanages and Aboriginal boarding school managed by the church.
In 2019the adoption of State law law (Law 21) crystallized tensions. Prohibiting the wearing of religious signs to state employees in authority, this law responded to controversies like that of the Crucifix in the National Assembly, finally withdrawn in 2019. Although centered on Catholic heritage, it reflects an increased distrust of all public religious expressions.
4. Lausanne (Switzerland): Recent controversies and resistance to public evangelization
In August 2024, an evangelical center campaign for salvation, involving sound sermons on Place Chaudron, caused indignation. Elected officials have denounced aggressive proselytism and requested the ban on religious manifestations in public space. This event relaunched the debate on the place of the religious in a Swiss society historically multi -clarified but increasingly secularized.
5. Nicaragua: state repression and forced decline of evangelical churches
Long tolerated, the Nicaraguan evangelical churches saw their status rocking in December 2023 when the government arrested 11 pastors and dissolved the NGO Mountain Gateway, accused of money laundering. These measures are part of a wider wave of repression against dissidents, illustrating how authoritarian regimes instrumentalize secularism to stifle critical voices.
Conclusion: common dynamics and singularities
The cases studied reveal that the transition to secularism often occurs after crises of religious legitimacy – that it is scandals, political manipulations or authoritarian repression. These developments highlight the fragile balance between religious freedom and state neutrality, where excesses on one side often fuel claims on the other.
References and sources
- Studies on the political influence of evangelical churches in Brazil (Brazilian social research institute, 2020).
- French parliamentary reports on sectarian aberrations (1995, 1999).
- Legislative documents of law 21 (Government of Quebec, 2019).
- Press articles on Lausanne events (newspaper Time2024).
- NGO reports on religious repression in Nicaragua (Amnesty International, 2023).
