In a gesture of collaboration and faith, evangelical leaders in the Dominican Republic have joined the government's efforts to mitigate the effects of a global crisis affecting all sectors. The commission appointed by President Luis Abinader met with representatives of the evangelical community at the headquarters of the Social Service of Dominican Churches, aiming to build a united front against the economic and social challenges stemming from the Middle East conflict.
This meeting is not an isolated event but part of a broader dialogue that has included business leaders, former presidents, and the Catholic Church. The participation of evangelicals reflects the church's commitment to the nation's well-being, echoing the words of the apostle Paul:
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10, NIV).
Faith-Driven Proposals
Lorenzo Mota King, executive director of the Social Service of Dominican Churches, led the evangelical delegation and announced that at an upcoming meeting they will present concrete proposals to ease the crisis. "We want to think together how to find a joint solution that maintains progress and protects the most vulnerable," he said. These proposals include food aid initiatives, support for small businesses, and job training programs.
The church has always had a prophetic role of speaking out, but also of building. In times of crisis, the biblical call is clear:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV).
The Church's Role in Society
This type of collaboration is not new in the Dominican Republic. Historically, evangelical churches have participated in social and community development programs. However, the magnitude of the current crisis—with inflation, unemployment, and international tensions—demands a coordinated response. Religious leaders understand that their voice must be heard not only in pulpits but also at national dialogue tables.
The government, for its part, has valued this support. Ministers José Ignacio Paliza and Eduardo Sanz Lovatón presented the government's action plan to reduce the economic impact on families, highlighting the importance of joining efforts from all fronts.
The Global Crisis and Its Local Effects
The conflict in the Middle East, especially the situation in Iran, has triggered a series of consequences that transcend borders. Rising oil prices, disrupted supply chains, and economic uncertainty hit countries like the Dominican Republic hard, where the most vulnerable sectors already face difficulties.
Faced with this scenario, the church cannot remain indifferent. As James says:
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27, NIV).Therefore, the proposals to be prepared must be practical and sustainable, seeking to alleviate suffering and promote justice.
An Example of Hope
Last Friday's meeting is just the beginning. Dominican evangelicals have shown that when faith translates into action, great things can be achieved. This model of church-state collaboration could be an example for other countries in the region facing similar crises.
As Christians, we remember that our hope is not in governments or human solutions, but in the God who calls us to be agents of transformation.
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