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Evangelicals in spite of their limitations (Paredes 2000, Guti\u00E9rrez 1997). Suazo points to a process which is open and conciliatory. He says: \u2018It is certain that in the past the indigenous forms of expression were rejected as being \u2018pagan\u2019 but little by little the Evangelicals are learning to understand and respect these expressions and to accept them as a natural, and completely compatible with the Christian faith\u2019 (2006: 284).\u000ASummarizing, the NPL express a similar tension that which can be observed inside the Guatemalan social context with respect to indigenous communities. Nevertheless, the opening and spaces for brotherhood among them could help to promote their dignity and development in benefit of the communities and the development of a plural and multiethnic identity. Both the indigenous culture and the western or ladino culture have good points, neither is totally wrong.\u000A2. Dignity, promotion and role of the woman\u000AThe matter of gender subject is often controversial in the Third World countries, mainly because women do not always receive the respect they deserve or have equality of opportunities. The attitude of \u2018machismo\u2019 has been an obstacle hindering the development of women in different ways.140 In the Guatemalan social structure most women face this problem which affects their dignity, development and human promotion. Gooren notes that Guatemalan \u2018machismo\u2019, with poverty and alcoholism, has contributed to the deterioration of the family and has forced many women to work for the survival of their families (1999: 72).\u000AThe situation of the indigenous women of the rural area exemplifies how this limits women. They undergo the deepest deprivations of social marginalization. The report of the World Bank indicates that 63 per cent are illiterate, and that literacy progress in the case of women is twenty years behind the men (\u2018Cap\u00EDtulo 7: Educaci\u00F3n y pobreza\u2019 2003: 69).\u000A140 Elaine Storkey (1985) gives a detailed analysis of the pros and contras of feminism and a critique of the way in which the role of women is handled in Protestant churches in What\u2019s Right with Feminism London: SPCK, 1985. Olive Bank (1989) has written a historical study of how evangelicals have contributed to the movement in favour of women in Faces of Feminism.\u000A   299\u000A


































































































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