Hugo Chavez and Venezuela's Christians

ZNet yesterday carried a long article on clashes between Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez and the country's Catholic Church. Tensions started in 1999 when Chavez's government decided to cut subsidies to the church by up to 80%. Other political differences then emerged. Through meetings since 2005 with Pope Benedict XVI, Chavez has attempted to improve relationships. Meanwhile Protestants have become key political supporters of Chavez.