Religious Liberty in Madagascar

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 29, 1910

Religious Liberty in Madagascar

For several years the representatives of the Anglican, Protestant, and Roman Catholic missions in Madagascar have justly complained that their work has been hindered by the French governor-general of the island, who has shut up a large proportion of the mission schools, and has refused permission for new churches to be built, or for native congregations to assemble for worship, even in private houses. All who are interested in the maintenance of religious liberty will welcome the statements made by the newly appointed governor, M. Piquie, who has publicly declared that he is anxious “to maintain the policy of toleration in religious matters.” Should the policy previously adopted—of interfering with the religious beliefs of the people—be abandoned, and the Malagasy be left free to provide for the religious instruction of their own children and for their common worship, it is probable that there will be a rapid spread of the Christian faith throughout the island.—The Mission Field.