Spanish Evangelical Alliance calls for ethical restoration in public life in the face of corruption scandals

In a lengthy statement, the Spanish Evangelical Alliance (AEE) reflects on political corruption from a biblical perspective, calls for greater integrity in institutions and urges citizens not to give in to skepticism.

The latest corruption scandals involving senior politicians in Spain have caused a public outcry. The recent investigation by the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Guardia Civil police, which has implicated top PSOE (Social Democrats) leaders such as José Luis Ábalos (who was also Minister of Development) and Santos Cerdán in alleged illegal payments linked to public contracts, has reopened the debate on corruption in the political sphere.

In this context, the Evangelical Alliance has published a statement offering a critical and proactive reading from an evangelical Protestant Christian worldview.

“Corruption comes from the human heart”

“Corruption is not unequivocally linked to one side of the political spectrum”, the statement says. Beyond ideologies, it affirms, “it arises from the human heart itself”, recalling the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:19: ‘Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder...’

On this basis, the AEE explains that the Protestant tradition has defended since the 17th century the need for democratic control mechanisms, precisely because of the awareness of corruption inherent in human beings.

The current scandal, they point out, is not an isolated case, but a reflection of structural dynamics. “We are saddened that this and other cases lead to deep despair and disillusionment with the political class, especially seeing that corruption does not appear in isolated cases, but from people at the top of the parties”.

However, they appreciate that “there are legal control mechanisms that work” and that it is possible to build a politics based on “members of integrity and consistency”.

Integrity, a prevailing value

In the face of prevailing pessimism and the apparent primacy of materialistic criteria, the AEE considers that “integrity in the face of corruption has become a prevailing ethical criterion in this political moment”. This observation opens up, according to the statement, “spaces for analysis from a values-based perspective”, where Spanish evangelicals also have a contribution to make.

From the Bible, they recall that one of the purposes of the state is to promote justice (Romans 13:3), and they lament that “corruption degrades that purpose”. They also cite Proverbs 17:23 to underscore the validity of biblical principles: “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the ways of justice”.

 The multiplier effect of corrupt leaders

One of the central themes of the statement is the multiplier effect that political leaders have on the ethical culture of a society. “Corruption in public service has a multiplier effect”, they assert. Not because politicians are more corrupt than other sectors, but because “they are a visible model for others”. This is reflected in numerous accounts in the Old Testament, such as in the books of Kings.

“Public exemplarity is not an ideal, but an obligation inherent to the position”, the text adds, recalling that leadership must be consistent with the values it promotes. “Authority loses legitimacy and public trust is broken” if there is no integrity. The Gospel also reminds us of the great responsibility of leaders before God: “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).

Democracy, transparency and control

The AEE highlights the virtues of the democratic system, despite its imperfections, as a guarantor of control and accountability mechanisms. “Our politicians should know the Bible better to discover that ‘there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed’ (Matthew 10:26)”.

In addition to pointing out those directly involved in the plot, the statement urges a review of public procurement policy. “More effective measures must be taken to prevent so many honest businesspeople from being excluded from contracts”, while others gain access “because they are willing to pay bribes or are forced to do so”.

The Alliance adds to its criticism of the government for its responsibility in the corruption cases a call on the opposition “not to be dazzled” by “simple political opportunism” without proposing constructive alternatives. “This is not just a change of government, but a profound democratic regeneration”, they assert.

They also point out that Spain has fallen behind in international transparency indicators and warn of the risk of “widespread scepticism”, which could lead to a rise in populism and disaffection with the democratic system.

A call for restoration

In the final part of the text, the Evangelical Alliance makes a series of appeals. Firstly, to the government and the opposition, to practise responsible administration, promote transparency and be a moral example to citizens, acknowledging mistakes and being accountable. They also address citizens, “including Christians”, to reject all forms of corruption — even everyday corruption — and live with ethical consistency.

“Corruption becomes uncontrollable when it is assumed that it is not worth prosecuting, they warn. What can defeat a society is not only corruption itself, but also permissiveness towards I”.

The statement welcomes the gesture of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in asking for forgiveness, in a culture where this is increasingly rare. But they point out that true forgiveness also implies “accepting responsibility and restoring the damage done”, as illustrated by the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19.

Gospel principles for public life

The AEE concludes its statement with an affirmation of hope: “We believe that there is hope for Spain if the biblical principles of integrity, justice and service are applied”. Social transformation begins in the heart of each person, they point out, when it is allowed to be renewed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Alliance affirms its commitment to continue praying for those in government, “proclaiming the truth in love” and working with other sectors of society “for a more just, clean and compassionate Spain”.

“Corruption is not simply a legal deviation, but a serious moral violation that erodes the trust of the people, impoverishes the most vulnerable and destroys the pillars of a just society”, they say. In this regard, they evoke the denunciation of the prophet Micah: “The prince demands, the judge sells himself for money, and the great man speaks of the greed of his soul, and they all plot together” (Micah 7:3).

They Spanish Evangelical Alliance concludes with a call that is as relevant today as ever, both for those in government and for citizens: “What does the Lord require of you? Only to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

The full statement can be read in its entirety on the website of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance (Spanish).

Originally published by Evangelical Focus