ABSTRACT
The Catholic Church in Brazil has undergone a fundamental transformation in its role in state and society during the past decade and a half making it probably the most progressive church in Latin America, if not in the world. This chapter discusses the Catholic Church in Brazil as the institutional Church rather than a sect, group, or movement. The institution as a whole, rather than a small faction of the hierarchy let alone of the priests or religious, speaks for the Church in a progressive manner. There is broad acceptance throughout the Church depending on the issue and its relevance for different parts of the country and different classes of society. Before the military coup of 1964 closed down channels of representation and expression, the Church had issued a number of statements in favor of structural reforms in Brazil.
