October 14, 2005
Chavez Takes Aim at Missionaries
This morning I was greeted with the news that Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, has announced that all New Tribes missionaries must leave the country. I have frequently reported on Chavez's activities here because I believe what he does affects all of Latin America, and because of his close ties with Brazilian president Lula.
This latest anti-American, anti-Christian policy is not really that surprising--but quite disturbing and far-reaching in it's implications. I have two takes on this.
Take One: I would not be surprised to discover that this is retaliation on the part of el presidente for comments made about him by Pat Robertson--specifically, the comments he made calling for Chaves' assassination. If this is the case, it would behove Mr. Robertson and other Christian leaders to examine the impact their political views have on the larger cause of Christ.
Take Two: It is quite obvious that Mr. Chavez is using this as another way to gain support for his failing government. He has consistently done this during his administration--offering free rides to the downtrodden in exchange for their political support. The fact that he would target a group of people who have only the best interests of the indigenous people at heart is especially heinous.
The New York Times article on the subject can be seen below. Also, click here for the official response of New Tribes Mission.
Chávez Ousts Missionaries - New York Times
Chávez Ousts Missionaries
By REUTERS
Published: October 13, 2005
CARACAS, Venezuela, Oct. 12 (Reuters) - President Hugo Chávez on Wednesday ordered a Christian missionary group working with indigenous peoples to leave the country after accusing its members of "imperialist infiltration" and spying.
Mr. Chávez briefly suspended foreign missionary permits in August after the American evangelist Pat Robertson called on Washington to assassinate the left-wing leader.
The group he is evicting is the Florida-based New Tribes Mission, which trains and coordinates missionaries to preach in remote areas, and has 160 assigned in Venezuela, according to its Web site.
No one answered the United States telephone number on the site.
"This is real imperialist penetration," Mr. Chávez said of the group. "They are taking sensitive and strategic information."
Posted by Andrew at October 14, 2005 9:36 AM
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