In an historic general assembly, the Italian Evangelical Alliance welcomed the Minister of Internal Affairs – Angelino Alfano – the second highest ranking official in the Italian government. The evangelicals were remembering a law passed by Mussolini’s fascist government 80 years before which outlawed evangelicals, especially Pentecostals.

The 1935 law came into effect even before the racist legislation against the Jews. At the time the fascist government discriminated against any religious minorities and considered the evangelicals to be a danger to the State and to the purity of the nation. Several leading Pentecostals were imprisoned and even murdered before the law was repealed in 1955.

In his speech, minister Alfano praised the Italian evangelicals for their contribution to the well-being of the nation. He also stated that religious liberty is not a concession given by the State, but the recognition of a superior right of all citizens. Lastly he promised to do all he could to overcome any remaining laws and practices that still disadvantage religious minorities in Italy.

Source: Protestante Digital

Bible Study: Exodus 19:5

PRAISE God the Italian government has noted the importance of the small evangelical community.