The Church in Argentina

Last Updated on Friday, 01 July 2011 16:40

Anglican Churches were first established in the capital and larger
cities to provide a chaplaincy service to the expatriates working with British consulates and companies. Permission to hold Anglican services was granted in 1824(8 years after independence from Spain), and in 1831 St John’s Church was built in the heart of Buenos Aries, and is South America’s oldest non- Catholic church. These churches were the beginning of what is now the Anglican Diocese of Argentina.

Churches were also established amongst the indigenous people, the first in 1965, supporting them in their struggle for survival. These were in the neighbouring Northern Argentina Diocese. A majority of the country’s Anglicans are in indigenous churches.

The Anglican Diocese of Argentina still serves Anglo - Argentines but is now a Spanish speaking church engaging with the wider community. Though small, La Iglesia Anglicana de Argentina is a significant partner in the country’s network of Christian denominations. It serves a broad spectrum of the communities and is committed to mission and service.

The Roman Catholic Church has a very large membership reflecting the Spanish and Italian origins of much of the population. They are declining in an increasingly secular society, and have an image problem, particularly amongst the young, because of their leaders support for past dictatorships. They are fighting back with a recognition that they need to reform and address the immense social concerns of the people of Argentina.
Evangelical growth is still seen in the north, and in the south this is mainly in the Pentecostal churches which are growing very quickly. They emphasise individual experience of God, but cannot always retain new converts with their lack of depth in theology and teaching.

There are also many other Christian churches, established by various national groupings such as Methodist, Orthodox, Lutheran, and Baptist.
The Anglican Diocese has good links with all Christian churches, moving easily within the Roman Catholic and evangelical spheres. It does however offer a distinctive role, proving itself capable of connecting with a new generation of Argentinians.