A cruz, a estrela vermelha, e o povo: a influência da igreja católica na formação de lideranças no Partido dos Trabalhadores na Diocese de Chapecó (1979 – 1989)

Abstract

The present work seeks to understand the influence that the Catholic Church, represented by liberation theology, spread through the practice of religious leaderships, exercised in the process of political formation of rural and urban populations, as well as the formation of leaderships that culminated in the creation of the Party of Workers in the western region of Santa Catarina. In order to do so, we will discuss the diffusion process of Liberation Theology in the Diocese of Chapecó, as well as the mechanisms used to promote a rapprochement with these groups, throughout the historical context between the early 1970s and the late 1980s. Methodologically the research was based on a bibliographical research, analysis of leaflets produced by the Church, and interviews with political leaders of the Workers Party who were trained in Church work groups. The research shows a Church committed and engaged in political struggle and formation, which in the context of the period contributes to the formation of various social and political movements, among them the Workers' Party.