With the aim of “raising awareness of and promoting the historical, cultural, social, educational, humanitarian and spiritual contribution of Paraguay’s Evangelical Churches”, the Senate has passed a bill declaring Evangelical Church Day in Paraguay.

The initiative progressed during the Upper House’s ordinary session with amendments to its initial proposal. The bill had been tabled on 12 August by Senators Orlando Penner, Lizarella Valiente, Blanca Ovelar and Gustavo Leite and, in its original version, proposed specifically establishing 31 October of each year as National Evangelical Church Day.

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According to official figures, 9.2 per cent of Paraguay’s population are Evangelical, with the figure exceeding ten per cent in the cities

Not a public holiday

During the legislative process, the date was amended and it was finally decided that the commemoration should take place on the last Sunday in October each year.

One of the points that had generated anticipation prior to the debate was the possibility that the date might also become a national public holiday. However, the original text submitted to Congress did not provide for the creation of a day off work, but merely for the declaration of a commemorative date of national significance.

The Upper House also amended the original proposal so that it would not be anobligation to include Church Day in the school calendar.

The bill will now proceed through the relevant constitutional process towards its eventual final approval.

In this regard, Orlando Penner defended the proposition, pointing to the social presence of evangelical churches: “There are thousands upon thousands of people involved in this daily work, which is funded almost exclusively by voluntary contributions and does not depend on the State or the national budget.”

Senator Blanca Ovelar expressed that her support for the bill stems from a respect for religious diversity and freedom of worship. As a Catholic herself, she believes that all religious beliefs must be respected.