From colonial evangelization to contextualized pastoral action. A theological-pastoral reading of certain historical milestones of the Church in Bolivia

Abstract

Most studies on the Church in Bolivia have approached it from a purely historical perspective. This article, however, proposes a pastoral reading with theological features of the Bolivian ecclesial journey, from colonial evangelization to the current challenges in the Plurinational State. It analyzes how pastoral action has oscillated between clerical and centralized models, eventually reaching more dialogical and contextualized expressions. Milestones among mission and colonization are explored: from the Republic to the Concordat of 1851; pastoral collegiality which gave rise to the Bolivian Episcopal Conference and the impact of Vatican II; challenges and opportunities from the Republic to the Plurinational State. Finally this contextualized pastoral care is contextualized with the creation of the dioceses, recovering a Church in synodal departure that, in fidelity to the Gospel and in tune with the signs of the times, discerns together with its people.