In the midst of Honduras’ deepening political polarization and electoral uncertainty, evangelical pastors are calling for national repentance and forgiveness as the path toward healing and moral restoration. Appearing on the widely viewed “Frente a Frente” program on Canal 5, prominent church leaders urged political and religious actors to pursue spiritual renewal amid rising tensions.
Mario Banegas, president of the Association of Pastors of Tegucigalpa, emphasized the need for forgiveness, calling it essential “in a moment of political significance for the country,” according to the Honduran news site TuNota.
“We have lost that powerful word that opens so many doors and creates so many opportunities,” Banegas said, stressing that the absence of forgiveness cuts across all sectors of society, including both politicians and religious leaders. He added that rediscovering this virtue could help restore hope and faith in a different future for the nation.
Gerardo Irías, president of the Evangelical Confraternity of Honduras, said political leaders must be held accountable for past failures, but also affirmed the possibility of change.
“Politicians in this country have made their mistakes, but (…) we can have change,” Irías stated. He emphasized that this confrontation with the truth should come from institutions with moral authority—namely, the churches and the media.
The call for repentance comes at a time of heightened political tension in Honduras, following disputes between the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Armed Forces over alleged irregularities during primary elections. Internal divisions within the CNE and mutual accusations have further inflamed the country’s political crisis.
Against this backdrop, the pastors urged the political class to embrace humility and return to biblical principles. Quoting Joel 2:12-13 from the Traducción en Lenguaje Actual (Contemporary Language Translation), they proclaimed: “Repent now and change your way of living! […] Repent and return to me, but do it with all your heart, not just with words!”
The evangelical leaders underscored the need for moral and spiritual renewal in Honduras’ public life. They framed repentance and forgiveness as foundational for national reconciliation and essential for building a more hopeful future.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
