Page 243 - tesis

relations. This does not necessarily mean that there is no criticism or rejection of the way people dress or their person.\u000AThis process of becoming part of the Ladino culture is part of the transition that Guatemalan society is living through and is experienced in other Evangelical churches. In both cases, Protestantism appears like a factor that stimulates this process. Amy Sherman (1997) affirms that Protestantism in the indigenous communities of Guatemala, has caused a greater opening to new ideas and groups through the contact with ideas and groups of the western world specifically the Protestant missionaries. This approach and the rejection at the hands of Catholic indigenous communities, has pushed the indigenous Protestants to have greater interaction with the Ladino world. She emphasizes that the study of Sexton in Panajachel, Guatemala, shows that tendency: \u2018Protestantism appears to be reinforcing the adoption of Latinized culture, such as wearing more Europeanised clothing, living in modern-style houses with more modern possessions, and speaking more Spanish\u2019 (1997: 48-49). This process is also rejected by some organizations and indigenous communities that claim from the State their full rights and dignity. Members of CIEDEG (The Conference of Guatemalan Evangelical churches) are against the process of ladinization and plead for respect for indigenous dignity, culture and rights and their communities (Solares 1993:121-134).\u000ATo conclude, the Neo-Pentecostal churches have indigenous families and communities within their membership. They are present especially in the communities in the Guatemalan interior. In Guatemala City, Ladino families coexist with indigenous families. This affiliation does not mean necessarily that they relate openly inside or outside of the ecclesiastical atmosphere in the same way as they do with the other church members. But the NPS do not have the same attitude toward the indigenous people and their culture. Although they affirm that they are equal before God, from their opinions, it is possible to deduce that they feel that the best thing would be the assimilation of the indigenous people into the Ladino culture.\u000A230\u000A