You've produced a string of allegations there without actual evidence. I don't know much about Spain, but the general trend fo the allegations is much the same as against the Church in England before the Reformation and in France before the Revolution, and doubtless there is a basis of truth in them.

That what you have said is not the whole truth can be demonstrated by the number of people of all classes, in all thise cases, who continued to support the Church even when the 'thought control' and sanctions, the gallows and the guillotine, turned the other way.

In both England and France the State's actions had a lot to do with the desire to get its hands on Church property; whether it then used it to the benefit of the people is doubtful. The Church in England provided many services to the poor which were not always immediately replaced by the State. I see no reason to suppose that the Church in Spain did any less.

regards,

Susan

PS breaking off for Christmas now, so won't be replying for few days.