On May 17, Dr. Michael Hendricks published “Nicaragua and the Catholic Church” in Canopy Forum, which “is a digital publication from the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University that produces expert analysis for scholars, lawyers, clergy, journalists, policy makers, and the broader public.”
This research forum “seeks to foster productive public discourse on critical issues at the intersection of law and religion—two of the most powerful and pervasive forces in societies around the world.”
Hendricks’ article explores reasons why the Ortega regime of Nicaragua has recently intensified its crackdown and persecution of the Catholic Church, its leaders, and its followers. Today, “the church remains a trusted institution and an outspoken watchdog against Ortega’s history of disregarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law as he attempts to consolidate power. Essentially, the church remains a thorn to Ortega’s power, and he has recently increased efforts to extinguish any opposition that severely threatens his regime and legitimacy,” according to Hendricks.
The article “describes some critical historical events in relation to the church challenging Ortega’s power and questioning his leadership. In analyzing these events, (Hendricks) shows that Ortega likely has an ingrained animosity toward the church, leading to the recent surge in its oppressive and repressive efforts as he attempts to eliminate any final control the church has over his power.”
