News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

evo-morales-main_article_image.jpg
Twitter
World News

Bolivia's president reverses evangelism ban after Christian outcry

by Tola Mbakwe

President Evo Morales announced on Twitter that the government will repeal the penal code that criminalised evangelism and put restrictions on religious freedom.

He tweeted: "We have decided to repeal the Criminal System Code to avoid confusion... and have no arguments, to generate destabilisation in the country...

"We will send a letter to the Legislative Assembly in the coming days."

The amendments to Article 88 declared that "whoever recruits, transports, deprives of freedom or hosts people with the aim of recruiting them to take part in armed conflicts or religious or worship organisations will be penalised 7 to 12 years of imprisonment".

President Morale's U-turn on the ban came after an outcry from Christians. 

ANDEB
A prayer march in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

According to Evangelical Focus, there were protests and some held a special day of prayer and fasting. 

National Association of Evangelicals in Bolivia (ANDEB) called for the Bolivian government to start "preparing a new Penal Code that reflects the social reality of Bolivia" and said a new law should "emerge from a consensus and a social agreement of all sectors of our country".

The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) also condemned the law.

Writing in a letter to the Bolivia's Legislative Assembly, BWA's general secretary Elijah Brown said: "The ambiguity of these laws could lead to unintended restrictions on religious freedom and to the direct persecution of churches and individuals of faith.

"I join with our Baptist partners in asking for a modification or repeal of this law."

President Morales also confirmed the new plans on state television on Sunday.

He stated that he didn't want to pass laws such as those under the country's former dictator, Hugo Banzer.

Mr Morales added: "I ask the assembly ... to rapidly advance a new code. I'm almost positive there will be a few changes and modifications to the articles."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate