Roman Catholicism Vs. Religious Freedom
We have long suspected that the Roman Catholic Church was the instigator of the difficulties that members of the churches of Christ are experiencing in Italy. It is daily becoming more apparent that such IS the case.
Postwar Italian Constitution 'Grants' Religious Freedom
Although the latest Italian Constitution allegedly permits religious freedom, the interpretation and application of the Constitution is so influenced and adulterated by the Catholic majority in Italy, that such a thing as 'religious freedom' is an empty Phrase.
The Twenty-Six Year Old Lateran Pact
It was in 1929 that Mussolini the dictator, signed the famous (infamous) Lateran Pact, in which the Vatican and the Italian nation agreed . . . . "The Catholic Apostolic Roman religion is the only state religion." Each year during the middle of February, intense loyalty to the Roman religion burns anew, with the usual result that non-Catholic religious groups are persecuted. Due to this 'relationship' between the Roman Church and the Roman or Italian Government, all non-Catholic groups are forced to appeal to the Italian Police in order to attempt to secure permission to worship God.
The Truth Will Out
At the beginning of this article, it was expressed that we have long been convinced of the 'behind the scenes' activity of the Roman Catholic Church in the persecution of non-Catholics in Italy. We now copy in its entirety, a brief news item from the March 11, 1955 edition of the St. Louis Register, the official organ of the Archdiocese of St. Louis:
"Protestant Sect 'Flouts' Italian Laws"
"Rome — The American Protestant sect known as the 'Church of Christ' is in trouble in Italy because of its 'deliberate disregard of laws currently in effect in the country.' This was the comment of an official of the Department for Religious Affairs in the Ministry of the Interior.
"He said that the police removed a sign put up by the group because the sect is not an authorized entity. It has not been approved by his department, because it has not been judged as sufficiently numerous. There are 300 foreign Protestant pastors working peaceably in Italy." (Page 5, Section Two, St. Louis Register, March 11, 1955.)
From this bit of information published in an 'American newspaper' much can be learned.
First, our brethren are charged with 'disregarding laws currently in effect.' Now, just 'what law' is 'currently in effect' as far as the Catholic publication is concerned? The 'current' Italian Constitution recognizes 'freedom of religion' . . . . this Constitution was written and went into effect since World War II. The contract or Pact between Mussolini and the Pope was dated 1929 . . . . now which is 'current'? If anyone is 'disregarding' anything, it appears that the Italian officials who are dominated by the Vatican are the ones who are 'disregarding' laws that are 'current.'
Second, it is interesting to note the attitude behind and the reason given for the refusal to approve the sign "Chiesa di Cristo." The "Official of the Department for Religious Affairs" says that the church of Christ is "not an authorized entity." But, it can't become . . . or at least has not become an "authorized entity" due to the fact that "his department" does not consider it "sufficiently numerous." In other words . . . . the church of Christ is a minority group, and as a minority, is not worthy of recognition.
Minorities Versus Majorities
One would expect an American publication to speak favorably in behalf of American citizens, when those citizens are deprived of the religious freedom that the United States Constitution affords. Or, you would think that an American newspaper would 'stand behind' the American citizens abroad, whose freedom was curtailed within a nation whose latest documents also recognize religious freedom. However, we now have demonstrated in reality that which has been charged against Romanism all along . . . . namely, that when Romanism is in the majority, then the minorities are down-trodden and persecuted.
When the Apostle Paul and others went to Rome in the proclamation of the gospel, they were in the minority also when compared to the paganism of their day. However, that didn't stop them from serving the true and living God . . . . and I predict that the workers of the churches of Christ in Italy will not allow the Catholic Church to stop their efforts.
The Roman Church Looks Toward A Majority , In The United States
Quoting again from the March 11, 1955 St. Louis Register, "One-fifth of the world is Catholic today. Nobody would set the ratio of the Catholic Church in the United States as less than a fifth. With our infant baptism now listed at 25 percent of the nation, one can see that the future of America is going to be Catholic, not in our lifetime, but not too long ahead."
Inasmuch as the Catholic birth-rate exceeds that of the nation, the Catholics are happily looking forward to the time when Romanism is the major religious movement in the United States. Of course, this is dependent upon their being able to retain all children born to Catholic parents, within the Papal Church. However, we believe that our point is well taken when we continue to urge our fellowmen to "try the spirits." "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1.)
Roman Tribunal Rules In Behalf Of Christians
The week of March 6, 1955, Italy's highest court upheld the principle of religious toleration by ruling that the churches of Christ did have the right to place signs upon their buildings. However, a few hours after the decision of the Tribunal, Italian Police tore down a recently erected sign. The Christians put up another sign and the policemen waited, expecting to again destroy it as soon as the erection was completed. However, just as the members of the church were completing the sign, a phone call came and was taken by one of the police. This officer then came running over to several other policemen, saying in Italian, "Stop, stop, stop."
"What," said one of the group, "are they permitted to have it?"
"Yes," was the reply, "they are to be let alone."
The Issue Still Not Ended
At the above point, it appeared that the Italian Police had been instructed to leave the Christians alone. But, again the Catholic Church enters the picture. It seems that not very far away from the building of the church of Christ, is a Roman Catholic Church known as "Chiesa Di Cristo Re" . . . . which means "Church of Christ the King." The pastor of that Catholic congregation objects to the use of the words "Chiesa di Cristo" by a non-Catholic group. Consequently, the U. S. Embassy at Rome, headed by a Catholic convert of recent years, Mrs. Clare Boothe Luce, merely 'inquired' into the situation. In fact, some un-named embassy spokesman stated, "The American move was not a protest, just an 'inquiry' about the case." Through the intervention of the embassy, the Italian Government is offering a compromise .... call it the "Mission of the Church of Christ." No, it's still not settled!