On April 23, a significant meeting took place in Costa Rica, bringing together outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, President-elect Laura Fernández, and leaders of the Costa Rican Evangelical Alliance Federation (FAEC). This event, reported by Diario Cristiano International, marked an important step in the political transition scheduled for May 8. The discussions were marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to building a roadmap for religious freedom and social action in the country.
Laura Fernández, who will assume office in the coming days, emphasized the importance of faith in public life. “I know that I do not walk alone; on the contrary, I know that someone walks with me, holds me in the palm of his hand, and takes care of me,” she said, expressing her trust in God to guide her term. This meeting laid the groundwork for close collaboration between the state and religious communities, particularly evangelical churches, which play a major social role in Costa Rica.
The Social Role of Evangelical Churches in Costa Rican Society
Evangelical churches have considerable influence in Costa Rica, not only spiritually but also in social and charitable work. During the meeting, both Rodrigo Chaves and Laura Fernández acknowledged the impact of these communities in the fight against insecurity and poverty. “Faith is an indispensable engine of transformation for social justice,” said the outgoing president, calling for stronger collaboration between the state and religious actors.
This official recognition of the role of evangelical churches is an encouraging sign for religious freedom in the country. Laura Fernández promised a government of dialogue and national harmony, respectful of the rule of law, and invited religious leaders to unite in the fight against violence and for the promotion of family values. As the Bible reminds us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NIV).
A Government Open to All Faiths
Laura Fernández clearly expressed her commitment to freedom of conscience and the defense of individual liberties. She assured that her administration would be open to all faiths, recognizing that the Christian community can make an essential moral contribution to nation-building. “I intend to lead a government of dialogue and national harmony, respectful and firm in the rule of law,” she stated.
This openness is good news for Christians in Costa Rica, who will be able to continue practicing their faith freely and actively participating in public life. Outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves also encouraged the new president to continue working for the most vulnerable, stating that his government had worked for the “forgotten and invisible” of society. “I told Mrs. Laura, and I tell you, that my government and I hope that hers will continue to be oriented toward the forgotten, the invisible, who clearly recognize through their vote the need for continuity,” he added.
A Political Transition Marked by Faith
The political transition in Costa Rica thus promises to be marked by collaboration between the state and faith communities. FAEC leaders welcomed this meeting and hope that the new government will continue to respect and promote religious freedom. For Christians, this event is an opportunity to pray for the new authorities and to engage in building a more just and fraternal society.
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