Spain and Portugal |
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The Iberian peninsula is a large plateau tilted from the north east to the south west and crossed by five extensive river systems, four of them flowing westward into the Atlantic. The peninsula also has a series of high mountain chains, from the Pyrenees and the Cantabrians in the north to the Sierra Nevada in the south.
The main areas of settlement are around the coast, and in the major inland cities of Madrid, Zaragoza and Valladolid.
The Spanish and Portuguese languages are closely related although their pronunciation in very different. As is to be expected in such a large 'mini-continent' regional dialects and identities are important, with the Catalan, Andalusian and Basque peoples of Spain being particularly conscious of their distinctiveness.
History & Politics
Early in the 8th century, the peninsula was overrun by the Moors of North Africa, who established their culture and Muslim religion for the next 700 years. By the end of the 11 th century the Christians started to push them back but they were not finally driven out until 1492. Meanwhile, Portugal established its own independence in the 12th century.
By the end of the 16th century, both Spain and Portugal had become major European powers, extending their influence into Africa, the Far East and America through sponsoring voyages of exploration by such men as Vasco da Garna, Magellan and Columbus. Trade and conquest followed exploration so that vast empires were acquired and huge wealth amassed.
However, by the end of the 18th century Spain had lost most of its empire and Portugal was no longer a trading force to be reckoned with.
Both countries have been ruled by dictators for much of this century. In Spain, Franco led his nationalist forces to victory against the republicans and went on to rule the country until his death in 1975. Today the country is a constitutional monarchy under King Juan Carlos.
In Portugal, the dictators Salazar and Caetano held power from 1932 until 1974 when Caetano was overthrown by a left wing military coup. After two turbulent years, democracy was established in 1976. In 1987 the first majority government was elected and the country is enjoying a period of stability and increasing prosperity as a member of the EC.
| Spain | UK equivalent | |
| Population | 40 million | 59 million |
| Area | 504,783 sq km | 245,000 sq km |
| Urban population | 78 % | 90 % |
| Life expectancy | 73 years | 75 years |
| Income per person | $14,490 | $20,870 |
| Christians % pop´n | 68 | 68 |
Economy
Spain has seen a steady growth in its economy over the last twenty years, stimulated by its membership of the EC since 1986. Part of this growth has been financed by the spectacular upsurge in tourism since the 1960's.
Portugal is still one of the poorer countries in Europe although it bas also witnessed rapid economic growth. The formerly agricultural economy has been steadily replaced by growing industrial activity in ship-building, construction and textiles, and the tourist industry remains a major foreign earner. There is a considerable environmental concern about the widespread plantation of eucalyptus which is grown for paper pulp.
Religion & Church Life
By the 3rd century there was a flourishing Christian Church on the peninsula which may have been founded by St Paul himself. From the 8th century the Moors suppressed the Church. When the reconquest was completed at the end of the 15th century the Inquisition was imposed, initially to persecute Jews and Muslims but later used against supporters of the Reformation. At the height of Spain's powers in the 16th century, Spanish Catholics were instrumental in stemming the tide of the Reformation and in establishing the Catholic faith in Latin America and the east.
When Spain's powers waned, the church was increasingly weakened by corruption, political
liberalism and anticlericalism.
Franco's victory brought a new union between Church and state and ensured that traditional Catholicism became dominant in many spheres of life. But even before Franco's death, the Church's influence was declining, and this process quickened with the return of democracy.
The religious history of Portugal differs only in details from its larger neighbour's. Anti-clerical movements have been particularly strong in the south of Portugal which was the main power base for the left wing government which took over after the 1974 coup.
Protestants have been a small and persecuted minority in both countries until the past two decades, when growing political liberalism allied with increasing criticism of the Roman Catholic Church has given them a more respected place in society.
However, many sects and fringe Christian movements such as the so called "prosperity churches" have also flourished in the new climate of openness, which has led to a confusion in many people's minds about the identity of the Protestant churches.
Two of the oldest Protestant churches on the peninsula are the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church and the Lusitanian Church of Portugal, both of which are the product of reform movements towards the end of the last century. Taking their inspiration from the Church of England they sought to create national churches that predated the dominance of Rome. Both were admitted as full members of the Anglican Communion in 1980.
In the current social and political climate there are open doors for evangelism and church growth in Spain and Portugal for the first time this century.
Crosslinks involvement
Following their admission to the Anglican Communion, the Spanish Episcopal reformed Church and the Lusitanian Church both asked the Church of England to help them with Bible teaching and church planting work. Together with the South American Mission Society, Crosslinks is seeking to respond to this challenge by sending suitable personnel and providing bursaries. Crosslinks personnel have also been seconded to the A Rocha project in the south of Portugal following an initial invitation from the Lusitanian Church.