Event Title
The Gospel of Colonization: The U.S. Colonization of Puerto Rico as a Protestant Missionary Projec
Panel Name
Rethinking Memories of (Internal) Colonialism
Presentation Type
Paper
Location
Humanities 132
Start Date
4-3-2017 1:30 PM
End Date
4-3-2017 2:45 PM
Description
One year after the Spanish-American War, representatives from nine major Protestant denominations* met in New York City to discuss the “new mission field” of Puerto Rico. While they were eager to “evangelize” these “un-churched” Puerto Ricans, Protestant leaders shared concern about “stepping on each-others toes” in this new religious marketplace. As a result, representatives established a Committee Agreement that carved the island and set parameters on where each particular denomination could evangelize and establish institutions. Presbyterians took the West, Disciples the Mid-North, Baptists parts of the island’s center, etc. Their mission was clear: “to inaugurate a work that assures the Americanization of the island” (translated from the United Brethren Church of Christ’s Official Report, found in Samuel Cruz, Masked Africanisms, 23).
The Gospel of Colonization: The U.S. Colonization of Puerto Rico as a Protestant Missionary Projec
Humanities 132
One year after the Spanish-American War, representatives from nine major Protestant denominations* met in New York City to discuss the “new mission field” of Puerto Rico. While they were eager to “evangelize” these “un-churched” Puerto Ricans, Protestant leaders shared concern about “stepping on each-others toes” in this new religious marketplace. As a result, representatives established a Committee Agreement that carved the island and set parameters on where each particular denomination could evangelize and establish institutions. Presbyterians took the West, Disciples the Mid-North, Baptists parts of the island’s center, etc. Their mission was clear: “to inaugurate a work that assures the Americanization of the island” (translated from the United Brethren Church of Christ’s Official Report, found in Samuel Cruz, Masked Africanisms, 23).