ABSTRACT

Mexico possesses a substantial majority of devout Catholics and a historic religious–secular cleavage, both of which have been transformed by growing religious diversity and shifting social norms but remain potentially powerful resources for political mobilisation. However, major political parties have been reluctant to openly associate themselves with religion. The Partido Acción Nacional (PAN), which by its historic origins, principles and policy preferences is the most likely candidate for the role of religious party in the country, maintains an ambiguous relationship to religion in general and the Catholic Church in particular. This situation is a joint consequence of Mexico’s history of religious–secularist struggle and accommodation, its gradual and troubled democratisation, and the strategic choices of partisan and religious actors under democracy.