The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-11-03
RELIGIOUS STRIFE
FEARED IN MEXICO
Feeling Reused Over Proposed
Protestant Campaign
Backed by Fund.

MEXICO CITY. Mexico, Nov. s.
Religious turmoil has taken the pace
of revolutionary unrest in Mexico.
Fear is expressed that this turmoil
may assume alarming proportions.
The cause OF the trouble Is reports
from the United States that Protes-
tant organizations are preparing to
spend millions in an effort to make
Mexico a Protestant country. These
reports have caused uneasiness and
excitement among the Catholic clergy
and laiety. Some of the bishops have
sent word to the priests in their
dioceses telling them to warn all
Catholics to have nothing to do with
Protestants--not even buy at stores
conducted by Protestant merchants.
BIG PROTESTANT CAMPAIGN.
Some OF the Protestant ministers
here have added to the excitement
! by admitting that they are about
to embark upon a great campaign
| to wean Mexico from Catholicism. A
| Seventh Day Adventist representa-
| tive announced that the Adventists
have raised fund of 100000 pesos,
| or $1,000. 008, for vigorous campaign
| in Mexico.
The Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton has become one OF the targets
OF the Catholics. who fear. an attack
upon the church. The Y. NJ. c. A.
up to the present has been popular
in Mexico, particularly in Mexico
City, where it has a large building
and has among its members and
visitors some of the best young Mexi-
cans. 1t has become a social and
| athletic center.
Now the knights OF Columbus are
preparing to build centers for young
men. not only here, but in many other
| parts of Mexico.
Some off the archbishops and
! bishops of Mexico have Joined in this
| campaign against the Y. NJ. c. A.,
known in Mexico as the Association
| Christiana de Jovenes, and have
| warned all young Catholics not to
| join the organization.
| As Mexico is still a strongly Catho-
| lie country despite the government
action in taking title to all church
property, il is feared that the re-
| ligious controversy may take a vio-
| lent turn in some sections OF Mexico.
CRITICIsE METHODS USED.
| A prominent Mexican holding a
high office, in discussing the situa-
ton. said: when Protestant organi-
! cations quietly went about the work
| OF opening CnapelS ana ChurCneS IN
Mexico. nothing was thought OF 1t.
but these reports of spending mil
lions in proseyting here have caused
a bad impression. II is a serious mis-
take. This is shown by the storm al
\ ready raised.
| Mexico has been Catholic for four
centuries. and a change is not to be
worked by sending. here an army OF
missionaries with millions at their
command. 1t may be all right to
send missionaries to China, India,
and the benighted parts OF Africa.
| but Mexico is Christian country, and
those who wish to work changes here
should 60 about IL with greater con-
| sideration OF the feeling OF the peo-
pie and finer diplomacy"
Some of the Protestant ministers
who have been here for years ex-
press uncasiness concerning tho cf-
feet Of the reported great Protestant
campaigns in MEXICO.
Business m1 IN some parts OF
Mexico already reel the effect of the
counter campaign launched here by
| Catholic organizations.