Analysts are watching for signs that this growing faithful could emerge as a political force.
By Arelis R. Hernández and Arelis R. Hernández Reporter covering politics and government in Prince George's County and Maryland Email Bio Follow Mariana Zuñiga April 13 at 6:00 AM
But this would not be like any other lightless night in the hillside barrio. Amid the darkened alleyways, a strange, joyful sound emerged between the zinc-roofed homes. Tambourines jingled, maracas rattled, drums throbbed. Voices called all who could hear to salvation. Already there are indications: Clergy members hold forth on the country’s woes in homilies and sermons. Churches, synagogues and mosques increase their services to the poor. Priests and nuns attend rallies for Guaidó in their clerical dress.
Leidy Villegas carries her son to a church service in Petare, Venezuela. The Pentecostal televangelist Javier Bertucci, who leads a 16,000-member megachurch in the city of Valencia, ran for president last year as an alternative to both Maduro and the opposition — and managed nearly 1 million votes. Pentecostal pastor Carlos Vielma has watched attendance in his Caracas congregation explode in the past 18 months to nearly 3,000 at three services each week. He preaches regularly about discernment to combat disinformation and propaganda.
The country is divided and deadlocked. Maduro claimed victory in elections last year widely viewed as fraudulent. Guaidó declared himself interim president in January. As measured by commitments such as attending weekly services and prayer, Venezuela is one of the least religious countries in Latin America, according to polling data from the Pew Research Center. Few Venezuelans would say they were atheist or agnostic; instead, they express belief in spiritual rather than religious terms.
“Not having water, not knowing if you have anything to eat — these are existential challenges,” he said. “That’s precisely when religion starts to seem interesting.” Here in Sorcerors’ Alley, Guayanés, whose birth name is Carlos Márquez, and six other spirit healers charge cash for a date with the divine.
The family sat before an altar of saints, melted wax and the bust of an indigenous cacique, an indigenous tribal chief.
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