Abstract

This article analyzes the role played by place of birth (Portugal/overseas) to characterize the existing clergy in the Portuguese Atlantic territories, while focusing on the secular clergy of Azores, Madeira, and Brazil during the eighteenth century. It examines the main characteristics of the priests who became agents of the Inquisition, and of those who became members of the cathedrals chapters (as canon or dignity) in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Social and political dynamics played an important role toward the admittance into such ecclesiastical offices, thus influencing the relationship established between the Crown and local elites, besides others social groups.

Keywords
Clergy; social hierarchies; birthplace