24 June 1702 Jewish Protestants Protected #otdimjh

24 June 1702: UK Parliament passes ““Act to oblige Jews to maintain and provide for their Protestant children” #otdimjh

On the day that the United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union, it is interesting to note another the decision of the UK Parliament, that the children of Jewish parents who had become Christians were still entitled to financial provision from their parents. It is to be hoped that the negotiations to leave the EU will maintain good financial relations with our European trading partners!

In Great Britain an “Act to oblige Jews to maintain and provide for their Protestant children” took effect. This act of Parliament grew out of case involving Jacob de Mendez Berta and his daughter Mary who became a Protestant. According to one source, the father refused to continue to support his daughter after she converted and her newly adopted Protestant community did not want to shoulder the burden of her support. Hence, this legislation was adopted and would stay in effect until the middle of the 19th century.

Prayer and Reflection: This act was passed to enforce the rights of children to be maintained by their parents, and yet shows a prejudice against the Jewish people, recently returned to the UK after 1660. It does not appear to have been applied except in this one case, but stayed on the statute books until the emancipation of the Jews in the 19^th century. Lord, help our governments to welcome and affirm the stranger, the immigrant and asylum seeker, and not impose restrictions on them. In Yeshua’s name we pray. Amen.