Emilian in Italy

Introduction / History

The Emilians are descendants of ancient Italic peoples mixed with later Roman, Celtic, Lombard and other groups. They founded the world's oldest university, Bologna, in 1088. Their name comes from an important and ancient Roman road, the Via Aemilia, built in 187 BC. The road encouraged commerce and contributed to the wealth of the area. Their Modena's Cathedral is a UNESCO site. They speak Emilian, a Gallo-Italic language which is not a dialect of Italian, though it is related. It is classified as an endangered language, mostly spoken by older Emilians alongside Italian.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Emilians of Italy are a wealthy people living in one of the most developed regions of the country, a global 'food capital' because of its lush hills and plains so well adapted to agriculture. They also produce luxury car brands like the Ferri and Lamborghini. Emilians are well educated and prosperous.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are culturally but non-practicing Roman Catholic, and their area has many historic cathedrals, basilicas and monasteries going back to Roman times. However, they are also one of the most secular groups in Italy. Their home area is classified as part of the historic "red belt" with strong leftist political traditions, including communism. Anti-clerical and secular tendencies have been prominent since the 19th century. The area has the lowest church attendance in all of Italy. Rites like baptisms, weddings and funerals reflect Catholic faith, but there is a high rate of agnosticism, atheism, and indifference. The majority remains irreligious. Rural areas tend to be slightly more traditional and Catholic. There are some evangelicals and a very small minority of evangelical churches.

What Are Their Needs?

Although the area is excellent for agriculture, it is highly prone to flooding and landslides causing deaths and damage to crops. Long term, the people of the area face soil degradation and environmental contamination. They are also affected by low birth rate, an aging population, and a decreasing amount of land for agriculture. Integration of immigrants causes social tension.

Prayer Points

Pray that the wealthy Emilians will realize their sinful condition before God and their need for the Savior.
Pray for the integrity, stability and growth of the small evangelical churches.
Pray they will find effective ways to reach out to their irreligious neighbors.
Pray that Emilian evangelicals will use their wealth for the spread of the gospel to the unreached.
Pray that Emilian churches will become strong and able to take their place in the task of evangelizing other people groups.

Text Source:   Joshua Project