Manifesto by Spanish Evangelicals Demands "Justice, Honesty, and Renewal" within Churches
The Spanish evangelical community has taken a significant step forward in addressing long-standing issues of abuse, immorality, and misuse of power within their ranks. A manifesto, titled "For a Church with Justice, Integrity, and Restoration," has been published, urging churches, ministries, and evangelical organizations to break the culture of silence that has perpetuated such problems.
The manifesto, inspired by Psalm 15, emphasizes the importance of biblical principles guiding the church towards ethical and moral righteousness. It is based on key themes of justice, integrity, and restoration, reflecting a commitment to social justice, moral accountability, and spiritual renewal.
The document has garnered support from various Spanish evangelical denominations, organizations, and leaders, including the AEE, an interdenominational entity representing Spanish Evangelicals in the European (EEA) and World (WEA) Alliances, Protestante Digital, and Evangelical Focus. Within 24 hours of its launch, it had already been signed by around 70 evangelical leaders, entities, and ministries within the Spanish evangelical community.
The manifesto encourages confession and turning away from sins, quoting Proverbs 28:13, "he who conceals his sins will not prosper, but he who confesses and turns away from them will obtain mercy." It also advocates for the implementation of clear intervention protocols for cases of abuse and immoral behavior by leaders, prioritizing the welfare of victims over the reputation of institutions.
The genuine repentance of those responsible for abuse "implies accountability" (2 Corinthians 7:10-11), and is evidenced by concrete actions of discipline, restoration, reparation, and change, not by mere words. A humble posture for internal examination leading to the reform of practices that may facilitate abuse is also advocated.
The manifesto further emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability as inalienable values of Christian leadership. To this end, it promotes training in abuse prevention and the management of complaints within communities. The Spanish Evangelical Alliance (AEE) and the Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities of Spain (FEREDE) have also published documents addressing these issues.
The manifesto is open for more endorsements, and its potential impact could be significant. It could promote reform within the church, encouraging practices that align with principles of justice, integrity, and restoration. By emphasizing these values, the church may become a more influential force in advocating for social justice and moral integrity in society. Internally, the manifesto could lead to discussions and actions aimed at restoring accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership within the church.
In conclusion, the Spanish Evangelical manifesto for a Church with Justice, Integrity, and Restoration represents an effort by Spanish evangelicals to reassert core Christian values in a way that is both restorative and outwardly focused on social justice. Preventive measures and protocols will be implemented to deal with allegations of abuse, including collaboration with relevant authorities when necessary. The manifesto underscores the church's commitment to creating safe spaces for victims of abuse and to prioritizing their welfare over institutional reputation.
- The manifesto, grounded in biblical principles, extends its focus beyond the church to encompass health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, sexual-health, general-news, and crime-and-justice issues, aiming to establish a comprehensive approach to ethical living.
- To strengthen this commitment, the document encourages ongoing training in awareness, prevention, and management of such issues, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in the evangelical community.
- Furthermore, the manifesto advocates for a proactive stance on these matters, partnering with relevant authorities when necessary to ensure a safe environment for all individuals, actively promoting justice, healing, and overall well-being within the church and society at large.
