Peru suspends debate on constitutional revision

PERU — The Congress of Peru temporarily suspended debate on revising the constitution before considering the article on religion. Nevertheless, evangelical Protestants who are seeking equal treatment for all faiths consider the postponement a positive opportunity.

“This is a good thing for us because it gives us more time to organize ourselves,” said Fernando Bellido, religious affairs adviser to Congressman Walter Alejos, a key proponent for amending the constitutional article that discriminates against non-Roman Catholics. Since 1980, the Peruvian government has maintained a Concordat with the Vatican. The treaty codifies preferential treatment for Catholic clergy and organizations.