This paper concerns the role and function of religious-based organizations in strengthening associational
life. Taking Portugal as a case study, it asks whether the concept of muted vibrancy
provides theoretical understanding to the role of Catholicism in contemporary Portuguese society.
That is, how might a church in a newly consolidated democratic regime, in a time of economic
crisis, with a past relationship to a fascist regime, and with declining numbers of
adherents, contribute to the deepening of democracy
