CHRISTIAN BASE COMMUNITIES AND THE BUILDING OF DEMOCRACY - BRAZIL ANDCHILE

Among the most significant phenomena in recent South American history are the transitions from authoritarian rule to democracy in Brazil (19 85), Argentina (1982-1983), Uruguay (1985), Bolivia (1982), and Chile (1990). The intent of this article is to analyze the influence of Chri stian base communities (or CEBs, from the Spanish comunidades eclesial es de base) on the two stages of democratic transition in Brazil and C hile: (1) the transition in political regimes and (2) the consolidatio n of democracy. This article begins by discussing basic concepts emplo yed by analysts of democratic transitions, and then reviews the litera ture that has related to religion to democracy. Drawing upon the liter ature concerned with the role of CEBs in democratic transition and con solidation, I then summarize how CEBs - both as organizations and as b earers of political values - have fostered the development of democrac y. The conclusions, based on my preliminary observation of CEB activit y in Chile and on recent empirical studies, suggest that while base co mmunities continue to encourage democratic values and practices, their future role in this area is likely to diminish.