Javier Bolaños

Javier Bolaños

Latin America Editor

Articles by Javier Bolaños

  • Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro claims victory amid widespread criticism of intransparent presidential election

    Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro claims victory amid widespread criticism of intransparent presidential election

    After more than six hours of waiting following the closing of the polling stations, the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) announced the results for Sunday's presidential election. According to the CNE, with 80% of the tables counted, the official leader Nicolás Maduro would have obtained 51.20% of the votes, while the opposition candidate Edmundo González received 44.2%. The results were widely criticized as very unlikely and lacking transparency.
  • Controversial Colombian bill to ban “conversion” therapies potentially threatening parents with imprisonment shelved – for now

    Controversial Colombian bill to ban “conversion” therapies potentially threatening parents with imprisonment shelved – for now

    The debate over a bill that sought to prohibit so-called “conversion” therapies in Colombia was definitely shelved on Wednesday, according to pro-children and family legislators and activists. The so-called "Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression" (ECOSIEG) bill – also dubbed “Inconvertibles” – was supposed to be debated this week, raising concerns about the possible loss of parents’ authority over their children.
  • Brazil: Lula wants evangelicals to be “partners” of his government

    Brazil: Lula wants evangelicals to be “partners” of his government

    In 2018, conservative Jair Bolsonaro received considerable support from the evangelical community in Brazil, allowing him to win the presidency. For several years now, evangelicals have emerged as a powerful political force, whose political representatives occupy about 40% of the lower house in the country. Therefore, current Brazilian president, Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva, knows that for his party to remain in power, he must establish ties with evangelicals.
  • Bukele, president who referred to God in his speeches, reelected in El Salvador

    Bukele, president who referred to God in his speeches, reelected in El Salvador

    Charismatic leader Nayib Bukele secures a second term as El Salvador’s president, consolidating his leadership in the small Central American nation. Despite facing criticism and debate over the constitutional legality of his candidacy, Bukele’s focus on security and modernization, along with his appeal to the country’s large evangelical population, has solidified his popularity. This victory is a testament to his successful efforts in drastically reducing crime and resonating with the faith of t
  • More than 2,000 congregations join forces to reach Mexico City for Christ

    More than 2,000 congregations join forces to reach Mexico City for Christ

    Over 2,000 congregations unite for the Esperanza CDMX Festival in Mexico City, aiming to spread the message of Christ amidst societal challenges. The event, featuring Franklin Graham and renowned Christian musicians, is a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of local churches in the face of growing spiritual warfare
  • Christians take an active part in the anniversary celebrations of Lima, Peru's capital city

    Christians take an active part in the anniversary celebrations of Lima, Peru's capital city

    Lima, the dynamic capital of Peru, recently celebrated its 489th anniversary with significant participation from evangelical churches. The city was filled with music, culture, and tradition, with a program that included concerts, artistic presentations, and fireworks. The Federation of Evangelical Christian Churches of Peru organized a Thanksgiving Ceremony, a moment to give thanks and reflect on the role of faith in the city’s life. The celebrations highlighted Lima’s diversity and cultural ric
  • Awakening of a giant: the evangelical missionary movement in Latin America

    Awakening of a giant: the evangelical missionary movement in Latin America

    The evangelical missionary movement in Latin America is booming, with a growing number of believers feeling the call to take the Gospel beyond their borders. As this "sleeping giant" continues to awaken, it will surely be possible to see an even greater impact on the nations of the world in the years to come.
  • Rio floods leave at least 12 dead, Church mobilizes aid

    Rio floods leave at least 12 dead, Church mobilizes aid

    At least 12 people were killed and one more is missing after heavy rains caused flooding in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, state governor Claudio Castro told a press conference. Castro also confirmed that some 2,400 soldiers from the Fire Department were deployed for cleanup and rescue work from the beginning of the heavy rains, with the support of drones and sniffer dogs.