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Even though they emphasize certain values and virtues of the indigenous people, they reject other ideas and customs of their culture that they consider do not harmonize with the values of the Christianity. Some pastors showed that they are against certain practices like idolatry, witchcraft, spiritism or animism that indigenous families and communities practice. The NPS do not usually promote the values and rights of the indigenous people and their culture. They are more eager to identify with the lifestyle and values of North American culture.\u000AAlthough the NPS do not get rid of certain ideological slants and stereotypes about the indigenous people, they do take positive steps in overcoming the ethnocentric barriers that have characterized the Guatemalan society. These pastors and their communities show a more open attitude and a sense of brotherhood towards them and their communities. This openness and welcome are important factors for getting a more participative and democratic vision in a society where the indigenous and Ladino poor live on the edge of society especially in the rural areas. According to some Neo-Pentecostal pastors, the social and economic development of Almolonga, the miracle city, is a sample of social change that the indigenous communities can obtain through the gospel. The ESH senior pastor affirms that even still not sufficient attention has been given to indigenous social problems which could give rise to social upheaval (P3ESH).\u000AIn that line of thought, Paul Gifford comments that the Pentecostal churches in Africa could play a role in breaking down the ethnic barriers as the intensity of the \u2018conversion\u2019 confers a new identity which extends others. Later he emphasizes that this identity can help to foment democratic virtues like tolerance, respect, moderation, cooperation and commitment (1998: 347). The NPS and other pastors have before them the challenge to fight openly and intentionally in favour of the promotion and respect for the identity, dignity and rights of the indigenous communities at the national level.\u000AFinally, in spite of the culture of exclusion some sectors of indigenous communities have achieved some social, economical and cultural advances. There has been fruit for\u000A231\u000A


































































































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