Within these walls of Iglesia Evangélica, faith has found a home in Buenos Aires. The story of Protestantism in Argentina is intertwined with immigration and a quest for religious freedom. It began in the 19th century.
In 1818, James Thompson arrived as an agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society. He was the first Protestant missionary here. Thompson distributed Bibles as he worked to establish public education in Buenos Aires.
Early Protestant efforts focused on expatriate communities. The Church of England and the Church of Scotland started missionary programs. Methodists opened a church in Buenos Aires in 1836. Anglicans began a mission among native people in Patagonia and the Chaco.
The Christian Brethren were among the first to evangelize the ethnic Spanish population. The government had an ambiguous relationship with the Catholic Church. It viewed the church as an ally and an obstacle. This ambiguity facilitated Protestant growth.
Throughout the 20th century, various Protestant groups entered Argentina. These groups often started as ethnic churches. They served expatriates from the missionaries’ homelands. Lutheran denominations of German, Danish, and Swedish heritage arrived. The Waldensian church from Italy also came. Reformed churches were founded by believers from Holland, Switzerland, Scotland, and Hungary. Later even from Korea.
Pentecostals arrived as early as 1908. However, real growth didn’t occur until after World War II. Chile played an important role. Pentecostalism had thrived there early in the century. Postwar growth began around 1948. Several smaller Pentecostal groups united in the Union of the Assemblies of God.
In 1954, evangelist Tommy Hicks held meetings in Buenos Aires. Hundreds of thousands attended. A national Pentecostal movement was created. Besides the Assemblies of God, other churches benefited. These were the Evangelical Pentecostal Church of Argentina and the Svenska Fria Mission.
Today, more than 20 Pentecostal denominations operate across Argentina. Among the largest are the two Assemblies of God. One has American and one has Swedish roots. Another large church is the Evangelical Pentecostal Church of Argentina. Also the Evangelical Pentecostal Church of Chile.
One notable church is the Miracles of Jesus Renewed Christian Church. It is known for its radio show “Waves of Love and Peace.” Hector Gimenez founded it in 1983. Gimenez was an ex-drug addict and gunfighter. His church has become the largest in Buenos Aires.
Some 28 denominations belong to the Argentina Federation of Evangelical Churches. This federation grew out of the Confederation of Evangelical Churches of the River Platte. The federation is affiliated with the World Council of Churches. More conservative groups formed the Argentine Alliance of Evangelical Churches. It is affiliated with the World Evangelical Alliance.
The Iglesia Evangélica Congregacional de Argentina has about 6,000 members. Around 1,500 people gather weekly for worship. It has a total of 36 pastors and ministers. They serve 120 congregations. These congregations are distributed throughout several Argentine provinces.
The Iglesia Evangélica. Its story reflects Argentina’s evolving religious landscape. It shows a journey from early missions to a vibrant and diverse Protestant community.