The Evangelical Churches' History

The Reformation

During the period of the Reformation, many educated Spaniards came in contact with the teachings of Luther and his followers and a number were clearly converted. Among those who became particularly well know because of their writings, were Juan de Valdés (Wikipedia), Constantino Ponce de la Fuente, Francisco de Enzinas, Marcos Pérez, Casiodoro de Reina, Cipriano de Valera, Juan Pérez de Pineda, Antonio del Corro y Pere Galés.Several of these were burnt at the stake, the rest escaped to safer 'reformed' lands and continued to write from there. Such were the principal Bible translators Reina and Valera whose version came out in 1569, revised in 1602 was the first complete Bible printed in Spanish and available -at least theoretically- to all. In revised format this continues to be the most widely used translation of the Bible in Spanish today and is used all over Latin America as well as Spain.

During the following centuries, little could be achieved in bringing the gospel to Spain. Indeed, most cultural life died out shortly after the 'Golden Age' came to a quick end at the start of the 17th century. Nevertheless, the Napoleonic wars brought a new flush of interest in things 'foreign' and new attempts began to be made. Among potential reformers who had to leave the country was Blanco White, who became an Anglican. Finally, in 1834 the Inquisition was abolished, although freedom of religion was not permitted. The following years were the era of William Rule, George Borrow and Manuel Matamoros.

The 'Second Reformation' and 20th century

In 1868 Spain had been going through a period of prolonged civil war coinciding with the reign of Isabel II, which had brought the country to a standstill. Then general Prim led a 'glorious revolution' which forced the queen to abdicate and leave the country. Although the policial climate did not stabilise for several years, the one major change for evangelicals and free thinkers alike was a new series of laws on matters of conscience, assembly and the propagation of ideas. In short, the country finally came out of the grips of repression and the Gospel could be openly preached, the Bible distributed and read and churches established.

While it took some time for foreign missions to get under way, there were already Spanish believers who had long been in hiding or exile. These immediately returned to Spain and started churches in 1869 and 70 in Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, etc.. Names which stand out are Francisco de Paula Ruet, Manuel Matamoros, Juan Bautista Cabrera, Antonio Carrasco, William I.Knapp, George Lawrence, Friedrich Fliedner, Francisco Palomares and Henry Lund. For the story of the foundation of the Episcopal church in Seville: click here!

One of the significant aspects of the early years of the evangelicals in Spain was the establishment not only of churches, but also of schools. It was by no means the norm for all children to attend school, a reserve of the rich. Now, evangelicals opened schools for all sectors of the population and this clearly had an impact on many in those areas where the schools were established, often being the first opened in a particular town.

The Second Republic was a time of greater freedom still, but this lasted only a few years before the Civil War caused repression once again to be the order of the day.

Finally, in 1967 a tolerance law was decreed and churches could once again meet openly without fear of repression. This was a foretaste of the complete freedom which the churches now have, at least legally under the Constitution and its subsequent laws.

More history from the churches

For more information, Spanish speakers can read about the history of the church in Spain at: Protestantes.Net

We recommend this entire site for good information on the church in Spain. In particular, the Agenda will give an idea of what's going on.

On this site we are working -when able- on a compliation of links and other interesting historical information.