Divorce in South America

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 1, 1916

Divorce in South America

In the Missionary Review of the World appears this on “Divorce in South America”: “The Roman Catholic Church claims that, because of its influence, there is no divorce among the South and Central Americans. The very pertinent and no doubt accurate antidote to this statement, is made by Bishop Kinsolving, who has long resided in Brazil and is familiar with the social and religious life of South America. He says: ‘It is true; there is no divorce, for the simple reason that there is no need for it; nothing in law or custom or social sentiment forbids any husband from having just as many families as he pleases.’ The bishop affirms that where a Protestant church is started, improvement in social ideals soon becomes visible. Romanism itself begins quickly to take on a new complexion. ‘Wherever one of our churches is planted,’ says the bishop, ‘a new moral atmosphere prevails, and the priest himself begins to live a purer life.’”