During the time of the dictatorship in Chile (1973-1990), the Christian denominations decided to be either neutral or ambiguous toward the regime. This created an environment of division, distrust, and disappointment towards the Church.
The Christian denominations decided to be either neutral or ambiguous toward the regime.
But a small group of leaders that didn’t agree with the decision of their denomination created an organization (Asociación de Iglesias Evangélicas en Chile – Aiech, or the Association of Evangelical Churches in Chile) that was against the regime and didn’t sign the statement of support.
After a violent coup d’état on September 11, 1973 that overthrew President Salvador Allende, Chile was ruled by the four branches of the military forces called the “junta.” The regime was characterized by violent raids, executions, disappearances, and the arrest and torture of thousands of Chilean citizens. The education system was extensively affected by the changes and restrictions by the junta. The climate of fear and intimidation that was present during the entire period was felt at schools, hospitals, churches, neighborhoods, public areas, and homes. Fear, distrust, and terror were the common denominators.
The regime was characterized by violent raids, executions, disappearances, and the arrest and torture of thousands of Chilean citizens.
Abuse of power is something we can see almost every day and at different levels and areas. We can read about parents, teachers, landlords, and even pastors that used the power they have to abuse of those who are more vulnerable. History tells us of many leaders who used their power to abuse, oppress, and kill people. Names like Hitler, Stalin, and Caligula come to our minds. Institutions like police, health systems, and education systems also have histories of using their power to abuse others. And unfortunately, the Church is not exempt from the dangers of misusing its power either.
The junta in Chile constantly abused their power. But the Church’s silence was also an abuse of power.
But a small group of leaders didn’t agree with the decision of their denominations.
When we read in the Gospels about the ministry of Jesus, we can clearly see that Jesus was not going with the flow, but just the opposite. Through His teaching, we can see Jesus confronting, challenging, helping, and serving. We can easily see that those in power were not happy with Him, because He didn’t turn a blind eye to their wrong practices. And for doing that, they killed Him. The same happened to many that opposed the military regime in Chile, the apartheid in Africa, the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., to mention just a few examples. This doesn’t mean that all Christians should die for the Gospel, but there is a sacrifice fee.
Much has been said about the evangelistic mission of the Church. What we don’t hear about often enough is the importance for the Church to develop a theology that deals with the realities of the one who suffers, the poor, of those who are discriminated against on a daily basis because they are “other”, of the one who receives unfair treatment, of those who are unprivileged.
The narrative that we often hear from the Church is one of celebration and good deeds. Yes, it is good to celebrate and be joyful for the new life God gave us through His Son, but the narrative of pain, grief, trauma, even the cry of a child should likewise be proclaimed.
The Body of Christ loses effectiveness and power when the voices of the "other" are excluded.
The Body of Christ loses effectiveness and power when the voices of the "other" are excluded. If a part of the Body is not able to see the reality of the other and feel what the other feels then, how can the Body of Christ be a prophetic voice to the world?
We, the Body of Christ, need to find the courage to challenge anything that attempts to divide, separate, and destroy us. We should desire the courage that comes from the power of the Holy Spirit and the conviction and obedience to respond His call. When Jesus read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah at the synagogue, He had a clear understanding of what He needed to do, and we are grateful He did it.
We need to find the courage to challenge anything that attempts to divide, separate, and destroy us.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote a powerful sentence that is worth deeply reflecting on: “Silence in the face of evil, is evil itself: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
[Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash]
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