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Organisers say 3 million attended the “biggest event organised by Christians in the world.” National media describe it as a “Christian carnival.”
A moment of the 2016 March for Jesus celebration. / Reuters
At least 350,000 people participated in what has been described as the “biggest event organised by Christians in the world.”
Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo was the destination for Christians coming from a wide range of evangelical denominations (the biggest churches are Pentecostal). During the march, they walked for 5 kilometres celebrating their faith in Jesus Christ.
The March for Jesus was started in London (UK) in 1987 and is now celebrated in many countries. Nowhere it has such an impact as in Brazil, where it has reached its 24th edition.
A moment of the celebration. / Folha Sao PauloTen trucks with music led the people to a big square in the centre of the city to worship God with songs and short messages.
Although the police officially counted 350,000 people, the organisation said there could have been up to 3 million participants during the march.
Hundreds of children opened the event, the organisers wrote (March for Jesus website). “The party and animation was done by the presenters of “Renascer Kids” –Gospel Network of Television’s program dedicated to children public-, Milena and professor Xuxu.”
“This is an event for all the family, we have to celebrate that we are free to share our faith” one organiser said, according to The Gospel Herald. “We are happy, because we have the salvation of Christ”, another participant added.
Christians participating in the 2016 March for Jesus. / Reuters. Meanwhile, secular media described the annual celebration as a “Christian carnival.”
WHERE WERE THE POLITICIANS?
Not many politicians accepted the invitation to participate in this year’s march, the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo reported. Among the few Christian representatives were a Senator and other regional politicians. This trend could be due to the “fear” of negative reactions to politicians.
Brazil is going through a deep political crisis which led to the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff. Some leaders of influential evangelical churches have expressed their support to the political opposition to the government.
Thousands filled the streets of the centre of Sao Paulo. / Folha Sao Paulo
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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".
Evi Rodemann: Youth and mission
“We want to see the youth not just being equipped, but also being multipliers”, Evi Rodemann director of Mission-Net. The European Congress took place in Germany from December 28 to January 2.
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.
I am not on sale
Young Christians gathered at Madrid’s central square Sol to denounce human trafficking. A flashmob highlighted the work of three evangelical NGOs which support women who escape sexual slavery in Spain.
Stamps to commemorate the Reformation
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
Why are Christian leaders particularly vulnerable to sexual temptation?
“The reasons why somebody might have sex with a prostitute are very different from the reasons why somebody might want to have an affair with a member of their congregation”. An analysis by John Stevens, National Director of FIEC (UK).
Be safe on social media
A video about the way traffickers target teenage girls online, produced by anti-slavery gorup Abolishion.
In Mission
A 360º lyric video about how all followers of Jesus Christ are called to serve God. Duo in Spanish (Alex Sampedro) and Portuguese (Marcos Martins).
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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