Christian Base Communities in Peru: Lessons for North America

Abstract

This research hopes to bridge the gap between the churches of North and South America by advocating for Christian base communities (CEBs) in North America. It is necessary to look at Catholic Action in conjunction with Catholic social thought, as well as the Second Vatican Council. Finally, personal interviews with those involved with CEBs in two districts of Lima, Peru – Villa El Salvador and El Agustino, revealed there is a failure of CEBs to develop in those two respective areas. Despite the failure of CEBs to develop in those areas, CEBs are relevant to North America as they can contribute lessons for parishes in the U.S. The Catholicism in CEBs in Peru is not prevalent in North America because the standard is to focus on individual spirituality and there is a lack of emphasis on social Catholicism.