Good News From Peru

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 27, 1913

Good News From Peru

IN a letter dated September 5, Brother O. H. Maxson, of Lima, Peru, tells of the spirit of liberty obtaining a little more of a foothold in that country. An act has just been passed by the legislature changing a clause of the church-and-state constitution that in the past has bound the people to Rome. He says:—

“Before going on into the letter, I must tell you some good news which we hope is to be for the good of the work here in Peru. You very likely know Peru’s constitution does not permit any religion but the Catholic. We learned only three days ago that a bill has been presented to cut off the last clause of Article IV, which says, “And permits no other [religion].” The article will read as follows, “The state professes the Roman Catholic religion and protects it.” There is no change, but the leaving off of the last clause. This we are hoping to see go through without much opposition, but we are making arrangements to circulate petitions in all parts of the republic as far as we can reach out by writing to those whom we know to be in sympathy with religious freedom. There has been a great deal in the papers of late about the abuses that our brethren have suffered from the bishop of Puno. I am translating some for Liberty, which I hope to have ready soon. One paper has devoted a great deal of space to this matter, and I am sure will speak in no uncertain terms when once the above bill is debated. Pray for us.”

Just recently in a telegraphic report in the daily press we learn that this measure passed the Peruvian senate with only four dissenting votes.