There have been several interesting developments in regards to religion in the last 25 years. First, many attribute the fall of the nearly 30 year rule by the Duvalier regime to a subversive grassroots group of Catholics called “Ti Legliz.” This resurgence by Catholics was heavily influenced by Liberation Theology coming out of Central America and was political rather than religious. This movement drew widespread support from both the rural and urban poor and prepared the political landscape for the emergence of former Catholic priest, Jean Bertrand Aristide, and his political party, Lavalas (“The Flood”), who have since dominated the political landscape. The Protestants have largely remained politically neutral and have continued to grow in rural areas due to their humanitarian work in providing for the needs of the poor. While many houngans (voodoo priests) were denounced for being used by the Duvalier family to control the rural communities and suppress opposition with use of the tonton macoutes, voodoo on the whole did not wane and maintained its influence governing the lives of rural Haitians.
Throughout the history of Haiti, there has been an economic and social aspect to these religions as well. On a macro level, Catholicism thrived in urban areas because the majority of the education available was through Catholic schools and typically served the elite and wealthier populations, as well as their agendas. On the contrary, Protestants failed to gain much ground in urban areas, and thus focused their energies and attentions on poorer rural areas with remarkable success. Despite this success, it is troubling that Voodoo has remained the dominant world view and lens through which the majority of Haitians view all aspects of life.