Dr. José Mateos Gago y Fernández and the conscientious objection

Abstract

The faculties of Theology and Canon Law, which had played a prominent role at universities, were suppressed by the State in the 19th century, as it was considered beneficial to separate university science and Theology to avoid conflicts between the State and the Church. The suppression of the faculties of Theology and Canon Law had negative effects and consequences which affected students and teachers. We will analyze the little-known biography of Professor and Doctor of Theology at the Public University José Mateos-Gago, who had to suffer the suppression of the Faculty of Theology in a historical, social and political context and who, bravely, objected conscience through of a conditional oath to the Constitution of 1869, facing it in the defense of fundamental freedoms that would lead to suspension of employment and salary at the University. To this end, Historical documents have been estudied in order to achive objectives qualitatively and restore Dr. Mateos-Gagos’ his right, which was deprived before a conditional constitutional oath imposed in defense of his convictions until he discovered that he could be compensated in his right by virtue of his intimate convictions rooted in his conscience.