Wealth is increasingly and unfairly concentrated among a privileged few. Jesus said: “Watch out! Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”.
Ahead of the referendum, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance and two Evangelical Parties oppose the proposition of allowing more research in medically assisted reproduction.
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.”
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.
An interview with the socio-political representative of the European Evangelical Alliance about how evangelical Christians work at the heart of the European Union.
An interview with Lars Dahle, of the Steering Committee of the Lausanne Movement Global Consultation on Nominal Christianity held in Rome.
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’.
Photos of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance’s annual gathering “Idea 2019”, in Murcia. Politicians and church leaders discussed about the role of minorities in society.
Christians rallied in Sofia on November 18 to defend their rights. It is the second Sunday of peaceful demonstrations against a new religion draft law that could severely restrict religious freedom and rights of minority faith confessions.
Abolitionists marched through 400 cities in 51 countries. Pictures from Valencia (Spain), October 20.
Seminars, an arts exhibition, discussion and testimonies. The European Disability Network met in Tallinn.
After one year in captivity, “the least we can do is to stand with her, to protest and to pray until we see her released”, says Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
In an interview, Lindsay Brown analyses three challenges for the church in Europe and elsewhere and how they can be turned into opportunities for the gospel.
The Swiss-Spanish artist and Evangelical Focus author speaks about how he relates work and faith.
A debate about science and faith between Oxford Emeritus Professor of Mathematics John Lennox and Oxford Emeritus Professor in Chemistry Peter Atkins. Moderated by journalist Justin Brierley.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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