September 2003

World View

Romany (Gypsies)

Gypsies are known around the world by this common name, although they come from varied ethnic backgrounds, and they share a common treatment in virtually every country, that of prejudice and discrimination. The Romany today are the most deprived ethnic group in Europe, experiencing racial violence and discrimination in employment, housing, education, and health care (ERRC*). They are a “scapegoat minority” and, therefore, live with high unemployment, illiteracy, and high death rates. The Romany who are the poorest of the poor in most countries (CBF Profile). Modern discrimination is merely a mirror of the past for the Romany people, however. During World War II, for example, the Nazis, killed 80 percent of some Romany populations (East-West Report).

Ironically, it is the Romany (Gitano) population in Spain that has become the key to an evangelical revival in the very country that spawned the Reformation yet has become “truly Post-Christian” (Operation World). While the Romany have typically attached themselves to the dominant religion of the place they live more from convenience than conviction (Word Dictionary), one of the fastest growing expressions of Protestantism in Spain arises from the Gypsy church, says Patrick Johnstone, author of Operation World.

“God takes up an instrument from the despised of the world - He chooses that to confound the wise,” said Jose Serrano, a founder of several Gypsy churches around Seville, Spain.

The true name of the Gypsies is Romany or Roma which is also the name of their language (Romani). Originally, the Romany were thought to have come from Egypt, hence the popular name “Gypsy” (English) or “Gitano” (Spanish) which means “Egypt.” Modern research shows that they actually migrated in waves over centuries from what is today Pakistan and Northern India. By the 1500s they could be found as far afield as Western Europe and Russia.

The Romani language is really a mixture of dialects, growing from the incorporation of local languages in the various countries in which the Romany have settled over the years. Some dialects are as similar as British is to American English, while others are as different as German is to English (East-West Report).

Despite the varied cultures in which they live around the world, many Romany groups maintain the character traits that mark their heritage, including steadfastness, self-consciousness, creativity, and a love for freedom (CBF profile). Their creativity is obvious in their occupations as musicians, fair and circus artists, horse riders and traders, fortune-tellers, peddlers, and craftsmen (CBF profile).

The Romany are open to the Gospel when it is communicated in their own language and adapted to fit their culture (CBF profile). Ministries among the Romany in Central and Eastern Europe, where the majority of the Romany live, are increasing, but are still not numerous. Ministry difficulties arise because of variations in Romani dialects, widespread racial prejudice against the Romany, and the prevalence of illiteracy. Holistic ministries such as soup kitchens, schools, and literacy classes that address the Romany's daily struggles with poverty, illiteracy, and discrimination, therefore, are the most successful.

The Romany's love for freedom leads them to be self-sufficient, even in the worst of conditions. They cannot lead themselves to true freedom, however. Will you be one who will go to tell the Romany about ultimate freedom in Jesus Christ?

*European Roma Rights Center (http://www.errc.org)

Romany Ministry Web sites

www.members.truepath.com/sevda/minoreng
www.gypsyministries.com
www.yocc.gcinet.net
www.projecttruth.ro
www.newlifein.lcms.org
www.word-of-faith-ch.org
www.adelkeidproject.org
www.romanbible.org
www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/partrin
www.romnews.com
www.religioustolerance.org/roma.htm
www.samford.edu/groups/global/ewcmreport

Resources for this article

• East-West Church Report, Vol. 10, No. 3. Summer 2002.
• Moody, Dave. Caleb Project information printed on Brigada-peoples. May 31, 1996.
• World Directory of Minorities. “Roma in Eastern Europe,” pp.119 - 122.
• “Romany,” Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Profile.
• Zoba, Wendy Murray. “Reformation: How a reviled minority has become the catalyst for bringing the gospel of grace to Spain.” Christianity Today, Feb. 8, 1999, pp. 51 - 54.