Evangelical Alliance Proposes Social Transformation Plan
Bishop Reynaldo Franco Aquino presented seven priorities, from corruption to mental health, and asked the government for verifiable goals.
The Dominican Evangelical Alliance (AEDO) presented a seven-point social transformation agenda, as part of the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, El Nuevo Diario reported from Santo Domingo.
Its president, Bishop Reynaldo Franco Aquino, called on churches and the state to work together in the face of the country's situation, with a reform that is spiritual, ethical and institutional.
Seven challenges on the table
The proposal groups together concrete priorities:
«Denouncing corruption and accompanying a hurting family fit in the same verse.»
- Less poverty and less inequality.
- Curbing crime and violence.
- Preventing family violence, femicides and abuse of minors.
- Raising the quality of education and values formation.
- Expanding access to comprehensive and mental health care.
- Closing the door on corruption and impunity.
- Improving basic services and caring for the environment.
Franco Aquino argued that the church's credibility depends on its actions matching the message it proclaims. That is why he asked denominations, councils and ministries to strengthen Bible study, clear handling of money, accountability and service to the neighborhood.
The demand doesn't point only outward: the same message includes transparency and accountability for the congregations themselves.
What he asks of the state
He asked the government for policies with measurable objectives, clear use of funds and priority for the hardest-hit communities. Verifiable goals means goals that can be reviewed: it should be possible to check whether they were met.
He added another request: open more discussion tables where churches, universities, businesses and social groups take part. Governing, he said, means listening and protecting people's dignity.
From faith to the block
He asked congregations to turn faith into works that last: walking alongside families, tutoring students, guiding young people, preventing violence and supporting those struggling with addictions.
Two of those points hit close to home for anyone between 16 and 30: youth guidance and mental health. Sitting down one afternoon to help a kid with homework doesn't require a degree; it requires consistency.
If your church already has a group that visits families or accompanies someone coming out of addiction, join in. If there isn't one, take the idea to your leaders: the AEDO agenda gives you topics and language to propose it.
In his closing, Franco Aquino said the Reformation is honored when the message that is preached changes the way people live, serve and fulfill their duties.
Micah said it earlier and more briefly: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, ESV).
Denouncing corruption and accompanying a hurting family fit in the same verse. Pick one of the seven challenges and take a step this week: an hour of tutoring, a visit, a conversation with your pastor about how to serve your city. Which of the seven hits closest to home for you?
Sources
- #República Dominicana
- #Alianza Evangélica Dominicana
- #iglesia y sociedad
- #Reforma Protestante
- #servicio comunitario
