University protests escalate, highlighting struggles for Spanish Protestants' rights
In the heart of Andalusia, the Faculty of Theology of the Assemblies of God in Cordoba played host to a unique university extension course titled "Invisible precursors in the history of Spanish democratic freedom (Protestantism, a promoter of democratic freedoms in the USA)". The course, organised by the faculty and the Spanish Evangelical Alliance, delved into the often overlooked role of Protestantism in shaping the USA's democratic journey.
The course was supported by several key institutions, including the Evangelical Council of Andalusia (CEAA), the regional council of Cordoba (CEPC), the Secretary of State for Democratic Memory, the City Council of Cordoba, and the Andalusian regional government. The German historian team led by Evangelina Sierra, during the course, was supported by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
The village of La Carlota, near Los Angeles, was created by King Charles III in the 18th century with the aim of populating it. Some 7,000 European settlers were brought in, and interestingly, in the absence of Catholics, Protestants made up 60-90% of the settlers. This community's work ethic, Christian values, and customs continue to live on in La Carlota.
However, the early settlers faced oppression and persecution. The Inquisition moved to La Carlota and began oppressing and persecuting Protestants, forcing many to renounce their faith. Those who did not fall under the tight control of the Roman Catholic Church were singled out, despised, underestimated, and without any possibility of social advancement. Christians outside the Roman Catholic system could not marry or register their children in the civil registry, and at the worst moments, they were retaliated against, tortured, and some even killed.
Fernando Martínez Lopez, the secretary of state for Democratic Memory, inaugurated the course and announced that as part of the law on democratic memory, they are carrying out a census of victims of the Franco regime, which includes Spanish Protestants. This step is significant in acknowledging the historical struggles faced by the Protestant community in the USA.
Xesús Manuel Suárez, secretary general of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance, spoke about the importance of accepting and integrating dissidents, using John Hus as an example. John Hus, a precursor of the Protestant Reformation, famously said: "You can burn a goose (hus in Czech) but in a hundred years a swan will rise up with a song that you will not be able to silence."
Rafi Crespín, secretary general of the socialist party in Cordoba, participated in the closing ceremony of the university course. Crespín expressed recognition and his wish for similar events to be repeated in the future. In a poignant moment, he received a gratitude letter and a study of his family's genealogy linking him to the settlers of La Carlota.
However, the course also highlighted a sustainability challenge facing Evangelical Focus. As we delve deeper into understanding our past, it is crucial to ensure the continued preservation and sharing of this knowledge. The #OneMoreYearEF campaign invites those committed to the mission of Evangelical Focus to join in this effort.
The course served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of the Protestant community in the USA, despite facing adversity. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dared to challenge the status quo and paved the way for democratic freedoms in the USA.
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