Survival in a Hostile World: Culture Change and Missionary Influence among the Cofan People of Ecuador,1954–1994

Abstract

All too often, Christian missionaries have faced situations where political considerations make obedience to the great commission difficult. This essay reviews this problem and presents a case study of the Cofan Indians of Ecuador and the role missionary organizations have played in their human rights problems. The author suggests three criteria for dealing with human rights in light of the actual situations faced by the Cofan and missionary allies. The government's attitude both toward its indigenous peoples and toward “foreign meddling” is of crucial importance in such dealings.