Late President Hugo Chavez, Jesus Christ, and independence hero Simon Bolivar. (Associated Press)
Caracas:
A rewriting of the Christian Lord's Prayer to commemorate the late Hugo Chavez is causing controversy in Venezuela.
Venezuela's Roman Catholic Church is denouncing the insertion of the socialist leader's name in an "untouchable" prayer. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro defends it, and calls critics "new inquisitors."
The back and forth started on Monday, when socialist party delegate Maria Estrella Uribe read the prayer at a party convention.
She began, "Our Chavez who art in heaven," and continued, "lead us not into the temptation of capitalism."
Chavez's legacy has taken on a religious glow in Venezuela since the leader's death last year. Chavez shrines, rosaries adorned with his face and images depicting him with a Christian cross have become commonplace. Followers often say they believe Chavez was on a divine mission.
Venezuela's Roman Catholic Church is denouncing the insertion of the socialist leader's name in an "untouchable" prayer. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro defends it, and calls critics "new inquisitors."
The back and forth started on Monday, when socialist party delegate Maria Estrella Uribe read the prayer at a party convention.
She began, "Our Chavez who art in heaven," and continued, "lead us not into the temptation of capitalism."
Chavez's legacy has taken on a religious glow in Venezuela since the leader's death last year. Chavez shrines, rosaries adorned with his face and images depicting him with a Christian cross have become commonplace. Followers often say they believe Chavez was on a divine mission.
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