Followers of African-based religions are on the rise in South America new data shows, a reflection of how the region's African heritage is gaining a greater voice beyond Brazil where such traditions are widely recognized. Surveys on religious beliefs in Argentina and Uruguay point to a rising number of people who identify with African-inspired faiths. Over 2% of Uruguayans identify as followers of African-inspired faiths like Umbanda. Oral histories and traditions associated with the African-based religions have long been misunderstood or demonized as "witchcraft," she said. "We've made strides in terms of the laws around practicing our religion, that in theory protect against discrimination," she said.

---

Persons: Lucinda Elliott, Mother Susana Andrade, Mae Susana de Oxum, Sasha Curti, Ramirez, Curti, Candomblé, Yemanjá, WE'VE, Victoria Sotelo, Greta Pena, stigmatization, Andrade, We've, Aurora Ellis, David Gregorio Organizations: Uruguayan, Federation of, University of the, Diaspora, Argentina's National Institute Locations: Candelaria Grimberg MONTEVIDEO, Africa, Federation of Uruguay, South America, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguayan, University of the Republic, Argentine, Paraguay, European Argentina, Candelaria, Buenos Aires