In an environment of increasing division and lack of faith in institutions, shortly before the national elections, Gerardo Irías, the president of the Evangelical Confraternity of Honduras, released a statement targeting the political leaders of the nation, especially directed towards Manuel Zelaya Rosales, the coordinator of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE).
From his role as a representative figure of the religious sector, Irías urged political actors not to contravene “the will of God” or the democratic principles that govern national public life. The message comes amid a situation marked by allegations of electoral fraud, institutional tensions, and citizen mobilizations promoted by various sectors, including the evangelical church.
A call from religious leadership
During his speech to the public, Irías cautioned about the repercussions of prioritizing party interests over honoring popular sovereignty and upholding the constitutional framework. According to the spiritual leader, individuals who continue to distort democratic procedures “will face the repercussions of their actions” and risk losing their moral standing both in the eyes of the populace and before God.
The evangelical leader stressed that the current moment demands responsibility and moderation on the part of politicians, urging them to act ethically and in accordance with spiritual and democratic values. “Do not challenge the will of God or the democracy of Honduras,” he said in a message widely replicated in traditional media and social networks.
Context of growing political tension
Irias’ words arrive during a period of uncertainty, characterized by governmental stagnation, political parties’ blame games, and a general feeling of skepticism regarding the current election. The Evangelical Brotherhood’s appeal adds to the increasing number of demands for clarity, societal harmony, and assurances of democracy.
The message holds significant importance as it is directed at a major figure, Manuel Zelaya, the former president and now coordinator of LIBRE, who remains influential in the political landscape and in guiding the government’s agenda. Nevertheless, the caution was also communicated to the whole political community, without distinction of political party, encouraging all sectors to leave behind hostile attitudes and honor the results of the elections.
Moral requirements in the voting procedure
In his statement, Irías reiterated that any attempt at electoral manipulation not only affects the political system but also represents, in his view, a violation of the spiritual principles that underpin peaceful coexistence. In this regard, the Evangelical Church has insisted that leaders must act in accordance with moral guidelines and not in the interests of individuals or parties.
La postura de la Evangelical Fellowship se sitúa en un contexto más amplio de presión social e internacional para asegurar condiciones mínimas que validen la democracia en Honduras. A medida que se acercan las elecciones, grupos de la sociedad civil y organizaciones religiosas han intensificado su monitoreo y han hecho un llamado al respeto por las instituciones, ante el riesgo de una crisis política que pueda empeorar.
Tensions that test institutions
The remarks by Pastor Irías underscore the increasing influence of faith-based groups as ethical counterbalances in a politically charged environment characterized by discord. Although his comments stop short of directly engaging in partisan matters, they do express the worries of numerous communities regarding the path the nation might follow if trust in democratic principles is not reestablished.
In this context, the warning issued by the evangelical leadership highlights institutional fragility and the urgent need for a minimum consensus among the main political actors. The management of the current crisis will be decisive in measuring the degree of maturity of the Honduran democratic system in the face of the challenges of legitimacy, governance, and social peace it faces.
