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In a context of confusion and flashy journalism, rigour becomes a precious value.
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 way we answer the question Who is Jesus?, will change the way we answer every other existential question.
Are there witches or people practising magic today, or is it all one big hoax or delusion?
Nominal Christianity, a mission field for the church
An interview with Lars Dahle, of the Steering Committee of the Lausanne Movement Global Consultation on Nominal Christianity held in Rome.
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).
Photos: Reaching people with disabilities
Seminars, an arts exhibition, discussion and testimonies. The European Disability Network met in Tallinn.
Photos: Hope for Europe
Unity in Diversity is the theme of the conference. Representatives of Evangelical Alliances and many other church leaders gathered in Tallinn (Estonia).
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.
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.
Biotechnology: “There is a difference between restoration and enhancement”
“We have to understand the times in which we live, and have discernment”, says Doctor Peter J. Saunders.
The Manzanas case
A short documentary about how retired pastors and widows of an evangelical denomination in Spain fight a legal battle for their pensions after the favourable ruling of the European Court of Human Rights.
How does romantic love change over time?
Psychatrist Pablo Martínez uses a metaphor to explain how romantic love evolves.
‘Mediterráneo’
“Something will change if you have hunger and thirst for justice”, sings Spanish artist Eva Betoret in a song about the refugee crisis.
How the loss of universal values led to a loss of civility
Author Bruce Little: “We have moved from a sense of responsibility to ‘my personal rights’”.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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