Reports of British Diplomats Concerning the Status of Protestantism in Latin America in 1851

Abstract

In August, 1851, Lord Palmerston, the British Foreign Secre tary, sent a circular to the British agents and consuls with political functions at foreign courts to report on the status of Protestantism in the countries where they resided.1 He desired such specific items as the provisions for the erection of Protestant chapels, the establishment and regulation of Protestant burial grounds, and the existing laws regarding the exercise of the Protestant religion by the nationals and foreigners. The reports of the British representatives in Latin America reveal important data on the beginnings of Protestantism in that area.2 Percy William Doyle, Charge d'Affaires at Mexico, November 4, 1851, reported that under the constitution of 1824 only the Roman Catholic service could be celebrated publicly. There were, therefore, no provisions whatever for the erection of Protestant chapels in the Republic. Several states, however, had allotted ground for the establishment of Protestant burial grounds. The authorities did not interfere with their operation in accordance with existing regulations. The burial ground in Mexico City was under the direction of the British consul. A burial ground also had been granted for the United States citizens.3 Frederick Chatfield, Charge d'Affaires and Consul General at Guatemala, issued his report for Central America on October 20, 1851. He recorded that the constitution of the Republic of Central America of 1824 forbade the public exercise of any religion with the exception of Roman Catholicism. The decree of the Federal Congress of Central America of 1832, however,