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Commercial and bureaucratic hindrances collided with an uncontrollable reality: the faith of many players.
Ahead of the referendum, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance and two Evangelical Parties oppose the proposition of allowing more research in medically assisted reproduction.
Poster of the the campaign against pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.
Several Swiss organisations led by evangelical Protestants have called fellow believers to vote against a proposition which would give further rights to scientific research in the area of assisted reproduction.
It is one of the five propositions Swiss citizens will vote in the June 5, 2016 referendum (Sunday).
“The new law would miss its aim”, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA) said in a statement.
“It degrades human beings and puts limits to people with handicaps. The process of selection can lead to risky developments for our future society.”
Swiss Evangelical Alliance. The text addresses the dilemma parents face when they are informed about a child who could be born with genetic deficiencies.
The SEA gives “4 No” to this proposal. “No, because it puts pressure on parents, no because it will make hindered people in society suffer, no because the law is arbitrary and has no clear boundaries and no because all human beings have value for God.” Read the full Swiss Evangelical Alliance statement here.
EVANGELICAL PARTIES
There are two parties with a Protestant Evangelical background in Switzerland: EVP (Evangelical People’s party) and EDU (Confederate Democratic Union). Both also recommend to vote against the initiative.
OTHER KEY PROPOSITIONS
The June referendum (the second in 2016) has also received much international media attention because it will vote on the possibility of implementing an “unconditional basic income” of 2,500 Swiss Francs (about 2,300 Euro).
A proposition to amend the federal asylum law will also be voted.
The varying and changing climate in the Bible lands allowed for a wide variety of trees, which took root everywhere from the high, and very cold, mountain regions of Mt. Hermon to the hot Negev desert and the shores of the Dead Sea.
The painting portrays Gauguin’s struggle with the meaning of existence.
Straightaway he replies, “Here I am”, and that begins a conversation with God which ends up with him choosing to abandon his comfortable lifestyle and to lead the Israelites out of slavery.
Life is like a relay race. As we grow up, others are already running, and the day comes when they pass the baton.
Ruth Valerio: A lifestyle that cares about creation
Are Christians called to make a difference in environmental care? What has creation care to do with "loving our neighbours"? An interview with the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director of Tearfund.
Kathy Bryan: Online sex trafficking in the USA
“Prostitution is nobody’s dream, it’s a very traumatic lifestyle”, says Kathy Bryan, director of the Elevate Academy. She mentors former victims.
Christians in politics?
What is the role of Christians serving in politics? An interview with Auke Minnema, the new General Director of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM).
Michael Ramsden: Communicating the Gospel in today’s societies
RZIM International Director Michael Ramsden responds to questions about the secularisation of Europe, the role of Christians in public leadership and the new ‘culture of victimism’.
Michael Schluter: Relationships are the key to build Europe
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
Efraim Tendero: Relationship with Roman Catholicism and other current issues
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Greg Pritchard: European Leadership Forum
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
Sharing Jesus with World Cup fans in Moscow
A team of Steiger mission is starting conversations about the gospel in the middst of the football celebration in Russia.
Analysing current issues in the light of the Bible
At the 2018 Apologetics Forum in Comarruga (Spain), Michael Ramsden, Pablo Martinez, Ruth Valerio and José de Segovia analysed how society and the Bible approach the issues of personal identity, integrity, sexuality, pop culture, and environmental care.
European “Bridges to Inclusion” gathering 2018, in Riga
The network of Christian ministries working for the inclusion of people with disabilities, celebrated its tenth continental meeting in Latvia with the participation of 12 countries.
Coexistence in the church - a model for society
“Gospel, identity and coexistence” were the themes of the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Two days in Palma de Mallorca to reflect about the role of evangelical churches in society.
'Ungi kulimi changana'
Educator and journalist Jordi Torrents shares images of the Sekeleka social centre in Mozambique. About 50 children live there, many with some kind of disability. All photos were taken with permission.
The President in an evangelical church on Christmas Eve
For the first time, the President of Portugal attended a worship service in an evangelical church. It was in Sintra, on Christmas Eve.
“No one should have to leave their values at the door”
Author Krish Kandiah talks with politician Tim Farron about the Christian faith, politics and secularism.
What are the essential characteristics of a godly leader?
Clinical Pastoral Counsellor Emoke Tapolyai reflect on three characteristics Christians who have been given leadership roles should develop.
Reaching non-Christian ‘Christians’
How can we reach those who call themselves ‘Christians’ but have not experienced a conversion to Christ? Forty missiologists and mission practitioners came together for a Lausanne Movement global consultation in Rome.
Trailer: “The Peace Between”
A film about the experience of refugees in Europe. Churches, small groups and individuals are encouraged to use it during Refugee Week: 17-24 June.
Heart
A short animation film by Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset tells the message of the Bible in four minutes.
Philip Yancey interview
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
An interview with Prof. John Lennox
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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