Page 71 - รวมเล่มศาสนาในประเทศไทย ภาคภาษาอังกฤษ
P. 71
Christianity
As widely known, all the Thai Kings in the recorded
history have been Buddhist, and in the meanwhile, the upholder of
all other religions. Christianity has always under the royal patronage
since Ayutthaya period. For example; In Rattanakosin period,
under the reign of King Rama III of Chakri Dynasty, the groups of
missionaries, both of Protestants and Roman Chatholics -- such as
Doctor Bradley and Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pallegoix -- who comes
to propagate the religion in Thailand often discussed issues with the
King. In 1897, during his visit to Europe, King Rama V personally
visited Pope Leo XIII. Also, in his reign, "The Act of Roman
Chatholic Church Status" (Year 1909) has been launched so that the
Roman Chatholic church is recognized by law as a juristic person.
Some lands were given by King Rama V for establishment of
Protestants missionary stations or churches. Furthermore, educational
affairs, medication and public health from Christianity -- both
1
Protestants and Roman Chatholics -- were supported.
1-2 Their Majesties the King and Queen had an
audience with Pope John II at the Vatican on
October 1, 1960.
2
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