State Department Memorandum, Treatment of Non-Catholic Religious Groups in Spain

TREATMENT OF NON-CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN SPAIN Spanish file HST Spain is a Catholic nation and the Roman Catholic Church has traditionally been granted supremacy and control in all religious matters. The present Spanish Government has enacted laws that preserve the Church's position while permitting limited rights and privileges for Protestants and Jews. The most important regulations affecting r eligious minori- ties in Spain are contained in the first four articles of the Concordat of 1851, which were reaffirmed in the Convenio of June 6, 1941, and in Article 6 of the Spanish Bill of Rights (Fuero de los Españoles), of July 27, 1945. The Convenio re- cognized Catholicism as the sole religion of Spain, stipulated that instruction in public and private schools should conform to Catholic doctrines, and assured the clergy assistance and protection in carrying out their responsibilities. Article 6 of the Spanish Bill of Rights provides that: "The profession and practice of the Catholic Religion, which is the religion of the Spanish State, shall enjoy official protection. "No one shall be molested for hisreligious beliefs or in the private exercise of his worship. No public ceremonies or demonstrations of any but the Catholic Church shall be allowed.' Regulations-interpreting this article were sent to all Civil Governors in a circular order of February 23, 1948. These forbid public practice of the Protestant religion and emphasize that only the private exercise of the Protestant faith is permitted. These laws and regulations are not always strictly enforced. In fact, their application generally depends upon theattitude of local officials and the influence of the Church in a given area. Some Protestant chapels have not received the necessary government permit, but conduct services with the tacit consent of the officials. However, there is the constant danger that these services may be interrupted by the police. The ban DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guideline, June 12, 1979 TAL NSC LTR:3-24- PROJECT NLT 81-28 By NLT- we NARS, Date 5-10-12