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SILVA, Vagner Gonçalves da, “Religion and black cultural identity Roman Catholics, Afro-Brazilians and Neopentecostalism”. in: Vibrant – Virtual Brazilian Anthropology, v. 11, n. 2. July to December 2014. Brasília, ABA. Available at http://www.vibrant.org.br/issues/v11n2/vagner-goncalves-da-silva-religion-and-black-cultural-identity-roman-catholics-afro-brazilians-and-neopentecostalism/

Abstract

Over the last decade, a number of religious groups have assumed differing positions on the relationship between ‘black identity’ and religion. In this article, I intend to present some of the tendencies in the current debate between the Afro-Brazilian religions and the black Roman Catholic and Evangelical movements. I suggest that this debate be constructed from positions engendered from the interrelationships of these groups and from the policies for promoting the legacy of African symbols as a part of Brazil’s national heritage.

Keywords: Afro-Brazilian religions, Catholicism, evangelicals, black movement, Afro-Brazilian Ministry, black identity, ethnicity.