L. A. S by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 1, 1904

L. A. S

By L. A. S.

THE constitution of the new republic of Panama contains a recognition of God, something which ardent advocates of religious legislation have long sought and are still seeking to get into the Constitution of the United States. Speaking of Panama’s constitution in comparison with that of this country, the New York Observer says:—

One striking difference between these two constitutions, however, is to be noted at the start. The constitution of this country makes no mention of the name of God—though that does not mean, as many argue, that Americans are an irreligious people. With characteristic Latin ardor and fervency, the Panama constitution makes quite frequent reference to the Deity, “the protection of God” being invoked for the new republic. Moreover, a state religion is, in effect, established by the recognition of Catholicism as the religion “of the majority of the inhabitants of the republic,” and by the provision that it be aided in educational work to some extent, and “in sending missions to the savage tribes.” The statesmen of Panama evidently do not wish to imitate the secularizing policies of the French republic, nor to break altogether with the Romish hierarchy.

The wisdom (?) which has led the organizers of this Isthmian “republic” to “recognize God” in the constitution is the same wisdom which led them to establish a state religion and to maintain a union with Rome. These three things go together, and this would be as true in the United States as in the republic of Panama.