Outlook for Missions in Spain

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 23, 1911

Outlook for Missions in Spain

THE revolution in Portugal and the success of the liberal ministry in Spain promise better things for religious liberty in the most bigoted, unprogressive Roman Catholic countries in Europe. For many years Protestants have suffered from the papal dominion, and government restrictions have forbidden even the simplest signs on the places of Protestant worship. These restrictions are now being removed, in spite of the protests of the Roman clergy. The Spanish Cortes has declared that no person shall be molested or interfered with in the exercise of his form of worship, so long as he respects Christian morality in a becoming manner. At the same time no other public ceremonies are permitted to any except Roman Catholics. Church doors may now open on the public streets, and notices may be posted outside the building, inviting strangers to enter. Strenuous efforts are being made by the clerical party to prevent further concessions in favor of religious liberty. It seems evident, however, that a refusal to grant these reforms would endanger the existence of the monarchy.

There are still other laws that interfere unwarrantably with the Protestants. Persons may still be punished for not uncovering their heads when the host is carried in a procession through the street. Magistrates still advise people to be married by a priest, and sometimes put off for months the ceremony when parties do not wish to employ a priest. Priests, monks, and nuns who have left the Roman Catholic Church can not contract a legitimate marriage in Spain. Their children are regarded as illegitimate. The Cadenas bill for the regulation of religious orders in Spain has passed the Chamber of Deputies, and shows that the country is alive to the menace of papal control. The number of priests paid by the state is still some forty thousand, and the number of monks and nuns is much larger. The people, however, are becoming more liberal in their ideas, and many of them are seeking for truth.—Missionary Review of the World.