Laicism and laicity in Colombia

Abstract

One of the social phenomena nowadays is the debate on laicism and laicity. It is the lack of understanding of the essence of a pluralistic State that brings about confrontations and cultural clashes. As a contribution to this discussion, this essay proposes four points: the origins of the concept of “laicity” and “laicism”; a short review of clashes between Church and State in the 19th century in Colombia; a synthesis of the social teachings of the Church on laicity and, to close the argument, some proposals to reflect on how to achieve in Colombia an inclusive laicity, exempt of any agression towards religious groups and communitites .