Could the story of the Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica begin with a religious awakening in Wales? It did. This church has a fascinating history rooted in the early 20th century. The Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica is an Italian Protestant denomination. It stands in the Pentecostal-evangelical tradition.
The Apostolic Church in Italy was founded in 1927. It is part of the worldwide fellowship of the Apostolic Church. The church is also part of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy. This is an ecumenical body representing Italian Protestants. The Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica’s main office is in Grosseto.
The Apostolic Church’s origins trace back to a religious revival in Wales. This revival occurred between 1904 and 1905. Missionaries from Denmark brought the Apostolic Church to Italy. Small communities formed in Civitavecchia and Grosseto around 1927. The movement grew further in 1933. Missionary couple Evans arrived from Wales. The Thomas family followed. The first official place of worship opened in Grosseto in 1930. It was located on Via Guglielmo Oberdan.
During the rise of Fascism, non-Catholic churches faced persecution. This especially affected Pentecostal churches like the Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica. The “Circolare Buffarini Guidi” led to these actions. This ratified the 1929 Concordat with the Catholic Church. Foreign missionaries returned home. Pastor Guido Ulivagnoli, a retired police marshal, took leadership.
Around 1949, the movement began to grow again. Groups formed in Castellammare di Stabia and Sicily. In 1958, Pastor Iorwerth Howells came from the United Kingdom as a missionary. He became president of the National Council of the Church.
In 1972, the Italian Apostolic Church became officially independent. It separated from the British church. In 1985, Pastor Gianfranco Baldoni succeeded him. He took over the presidency of the National Council.
Under the second Berlusconi government, an agreement began between the State and the Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica. Gianni Letta, the undersecretary, signed it. The Council of Ministers did not examine it. The second Prodi Government picked it up again. The Monti Government approved the draft agreement. This followed a bill proposed by the fourth Berlusconi Government. President Prodi finally signed it on April 5, 2007. It was ratified with law 128 of 2012.
The Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica shares in the division of the Eight per Thousand tax. This started from the 2013 income tax declaration.
The doctrine of the Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica is similar to other Pentecostal churches. It emphasizes spiritual gifts. These gifts are direct expressions of the Holy Spirit’s sovereignty. They believe in the present-day relevance of spiritual gifts. The apostle Paul mentioned these gifts in the New Testament.
Today, the Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica continues its mission. It operates through various ministries and missions. These include the Apostolica Magazine and theological study centers. They also have youth and children’s movements. The church supports missions in Albania, Romania, and Togo. They also support missions in South America and Asia.
The Chiesa Evangelica Apostolica stands as a testament to faith. It shows resilience and dedication. It is a vibrant part of Italy’s religious landscape. Its journey from Wales to Italy shows its enduring spirit. Its commitment to its beliefs continues to inspire.