Evangelical Leaders and Lawmakers Discuss Faith in Public Policy in Costa Rica

Leaders from the Latin Evangelical Alliance (AEL) gathered with Christian lawmakers at Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly on October 14 for a forum titled "Called to Govern." The event, held during the 13th AEL General Assembly in San José, focused on how evangelical Christians can influence public policy and train professionals for public service without politicizing the pulpit.

Participants discussed legislative reforms, the defense of life, and the history of evangelical political engagement in the region. Speakers addressed the challenges of navigating electoral and constitutional court cases, with one local pastor sharing his experience regarding political commitments and electoral sanctions.

International speaker Alberto Mottesi provided a theological and sociological analysis of the evangelical movement in Latin America. While noting significant numerical growth, Mottesi argued that the church has yet to achieve a proportional impact on the social, political, and economic structures of the region. He encouraged attendees to pursue a comprehensive vision for societal transformation that extends beyond single-issue advocacy, suggesting that deep structural changes are necessary to influence national development.