PROTESTANTISM IN ITALY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 175, 4 August 1876, Page 12

PROTESTANTISM IN ITALY.

++ In a recent official report published in London by one of the Bible societies, it was stated that in England there existed 152 varieties of Protestant forms of worship. Many of these are known by the most fantastical names such as Jumpers, Quakers, Shakers, Latter-Day-Saints, etc. Of these eccentric religions very few are known in Italy, but it seems that 33 sects have already established themselves in that country, and amongst these one small community of Latter-Day-Saints. In Rome there are now many Protestant churches, but all belonging to the quieter forms of the heresy. Rebetti, the Waldensian minister writes that "It is well-known that before long all the sects will be represented in Rome," and ' Le Temoin,' an organ of that sect merrily observes that " all the Protestant churches are unfolding their many colored banners in Italy and in Rome ; so that before long every tint of the religious rainbow will be represented." ' L'Echo des Vallees,' the great Waldensian organ, however, asserts that " There are too many religious adventurers in Italy at present and under the name of Protestants many horrible sects have penetrated into theland, of which the Polish anti-Trinitarians and the Mormons are the most conspicuous. These latter sects actually managed to insinuate their doctrines into Italy, under the guise of pure Evangelism." The Rer. Dr. Prochet, a Protestant clergyman observed recently : " Italy has even had to endure the scourge of Protestant dissensions." Indeed, several of the best Protestant periodicals of Italy — such, for mii stance — as the • Temoin,' the ' Echo,' the ' Vangelista ' deplore the i conduct of the Tash members of the various Protestant churches who j disseminate the grossest errors and not unf requently by their evil conduct bring discredit on Protestantism. A paper entitled the ' Christian Family/ published in Florence, says : "We cannot forbear expressing our horror of the manner in which some notable Christian preachers in Italy, speak and write about the Bible and especially about the Old Testament, which they do not hesitate to declare they no longer believe to be inspired. Some of our ministers have gone so far as to alter or suppress some of the Ten Commandments, believing that they no longer hold good. If the Evangelical churches do not protest against this state of affairs it is impossible to know what will eventually become of us." The Unitarian Church has also contrived to make a footing for itself in Italy, and as the ' TJnita Cattolica ' very truly says, it ia the most to be dreaded of all, for it denies everything, even the Divinity of Christ and the inspiration of the Scriptures. Notwithstanding the zeal of many fanatical, so-called missionaries, and the receipt of vast sums of money from England and America the number of perversions is very small. — ' Catholic Review.' A