As the poorest country in South America faces social and political disorder, the National Association of Evangelicals of Bolivia (ANDEB) has called for nationwide repentance.

Since last week, the historically marginalised indigenous majority has been fighting for greater control over the nation's economy and its natural resources, alleging government inequity in the distribution of profits.

On Monday, after several days of massive protests by indigenous groups that blockaded streets and commerce in the capital of La Paz, President Carlos Mesa, 51, a former journalist and historian, offered to resign from office.

When the indigenous controlled congress refused to accept his resignation on Wednesday, Mesa once again took the reigns of the presidency.

In a statement issued by ANDEB, the evangelical association called for the nation to change its ways.

"We have caused this crisis because we have aggrieved God on numerous occasions," said the statement from ANDEB. "The clamour of this injustice has gone up to God and demands action to change on our part."

"Let us return to God who is the only one who can heal our nation and make us a wise, sovereign, understanding and prosperous people," the statement continued.

The ANDEB document also called the evangelical Christian public to institute daily prayers for Bolivia and to also give thanks for each answer by God.




Francis Helguero
Ecumenical Press