Christians Concerned for Venezuela as Chavez Granted Sweeping Powers

Christians Concerned for Venezuela as Chavez Granted Sweeping Powers

Christians are concerned for the future of religious freedom in Venezuela after the country's Congress granted President Hugo Chavez powers to rule by decree.

by Maria Mackay

Voice of the Martyrs, a Christian persecution watchdog, has expressed its concern for the future of religious freedom in Venezuela after the country’s Congress granted President Hugo Chavez powers earlier in the week to rule by decree for 18 months.

Chavez’s new powers come as he attempts to force through nationalisations key to the new era of “maximum revolution” in which he aims to transform 11 broadly defined areas, including the economy, energy and defence.

Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton said, "President Hugo Chavez is gaining almost dictatorial powers over that country. He will be allowed to stay in office as long as he wants and basically rule the country by his decree."

The future for Christians in the country looks uncertain and Nettleton says Chavez doesn’t have a good track record, reports Mission Network News.

"Chavez is very fond of Fidel Castro. We know he's not a friend of the church in his country. So, you just look at the evidence and you look at the past and you look at who Hugo Chavez' friends are, it's got to make you nervous if you have Christian workers in Venezuela."

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