The following Parliamentary report is taken from The English Churchman, of May 22nd, 1953; and reveals that active and brutal persecution of those who propagate the Christian and Protestant faith is a possibility even in these times, where Protestants are in a weak minority. It also reveals that our Government are prepared to intervene in such cases, which is a good thing:—
“In the House of Commons on May 11, Sir D. Savory asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Rev. Samuel Heap, a missionary from Barnsley, Yorkshire, was severely injured when the Protestant congregation at Ubaté, Colombia, was attacked on Sunday, April 12, and that when the mayor arrived upon the scene, he informed the Protestants that if they did not leave the town that very day, he would not be responsible for what might happen to them; and whether he has demanded from the Government of Colombia redress and full compensation for the injuries received by this British missionary.
“Mr. Selwyn Lloyd: Yes, Sir. As my hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on May 4, Her Majesty’s Ambassador has made strong representations to the Colombian Government in this case. The Colombian Government have now replied stating that the incident is being investigated.
“Sir D. Savory: Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that many details have come to light since the Question was put last week by the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg)? Is he aware that the Protestant Meeting House was stoned for half an hour, that finally when the minister appeared, the mob shouted, “This is the man that we are ordered to kill,” that they attacked him and he was severely cut about the face and bruised? This is the culmination of the persecution of Protestants which has taken place under this clerical Government during the last three years.
“Sir W. Smithers: Will the Minister of State take active steps to see that Mr. Heap is adequately compensated.
“Mr. Lloyd: In previous cases of this sort which have been brought to our attention we have taken energetic steps with the Colombian Government, and, on the whole, they have taken fairly strong action after the facts have been brought to their attention.”