<p>The article analyses the political-administrative wills that guide the local management of religious diversity in municipal offices of the Araucanía Region, Chile. Using a qualitative-interpretative approach, we studied five mayors of municipalities that have created municipal offices of religious affairs, by means of semi-structured interviews and descriptive analysis. The theoretical framework debates the secularisation and deprivatisation of religion (Habermas, Taylor, Casanova, Asad) through a Latin American approach to religion in the public space (Bahamondes, Parker, Dussel). It also incorporates models for the management of religious diversity and frameworks for State cooperation with religions, in order to understand the role of local government organs. The results show that the religious self-identification of mayors, the value placed on managing the social welfare provided by churches, and understanding religion as a public good, together form a will to recognise religious belief in an intercultural key. This will translates into institutions that mediate between the municipality and religious organizations, enhancing social protection and the fabric of the community, although ambiguities persist in terms of the regulations and stable funding emanating from the State. We conclude that the municipal offices of religious affairs express a selective cooperation that strengthens diversity and local democracy, but that clear public policies are required for fair management of religious diversity.</p>