Bringing the Reformation
Back to Italy
Reformation Italy
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
MATTHEW 11:28
When we think of the Protestant Reformation, Italy is not the first place that comes to mind. We think of places such as Martin Luther’s Germany, Thomas Cramner’s England, and John Calvin’s Geneva. These are places where the Reformation took root in the church and had a lasting influence upon her doctrines, worship, and life. Italy, on the other hand, is the home of the Vatican, the Roman Inquisition, and the Council of Trent. Although it was the birthplace of the Renaissance, it became a graveyard for the Reformation. By the mid-sixteenth century, any real hopes for an established Reformation in Italy were wiped out by the political and ecclesiastical power of Rome.
Today, almost 500 years later, there is an effort to change that. Several mission works of churches belonging to the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC) are bringing the light of the Reformation to Italy by planting churches that faithfully preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Below, you can learn more about those particular missions, where to find Reformed and Presbyterian churches in Italy, and how you can help.
THE NEED
Americans tend to think of Italy as a vacation destination, not a mission field. It is a country rich in history, culture, and cuisine. It is the land of the ancient Romans, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and the fashion capital of the world. But when it comes to the gospel, Italy is impoverished and bleak.
Christianity played a prominent role in Italy’s past. Beautiful church buildings and cathedrals still dot the horizon throughout the country. Today, however, one is hard-pressed to find a church that preaches God’s Word faithfully. Sadly, there are no Reformed or Presbyterian denominations in Italy. Unlike European countries such as Germany, Switzerland and England, Italy did not enjoy the light of the Reformation beyond the first half of the sixteenth century. Although the Reformation thrived in Italy during the 1520s and 1530s, it was crushed by the Roman Inquisition in 1542.
Since that time, the country has languished under Roman Catholicism. Today, more than 70% of Italy’s population is nominally Roman Catholic and with no understanding of the gospel. The rest of the population is a mixture of paganism, Pentecostalism, and Islam. Less than 1% of the population identifies as Protestant. Consequently, Italy is a spiritually dark place to live.