Protests in Bolivia

The Plurinational State of Bolivia currently has an interim government following the resignation of Evo Morales, who had been president of the country since 2016. He was granted asylum in Mexico and is currently residing there. There are protests in Bolivia both for and against the interim government, and indigenous groups are voicing their discontentment in not being represented by the current interim government. Many are fearful that the work done by Evo Morales to strengthen indigenous rights and lift indigenous communities out of poverty will be undone. 

 The Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia sent us this message:

We thank our sister church the Methodist Church in Britain for its prayers. We are in a situation of crisis. Bolivia cries and suffers. After the national elections on 20 October 2019, a number of political parties and part of the population were unhappy with the outcome because of electoral irregularities. Now we are seeing Bolivians pitted against Bolivians, roads blocked and no transport. We are facing food shortages, there are confrontations, roads blocks, protests and tensions between the police and army. Dozens of people have died or have been injured.

We pray to God that there would be dialogue between political sectors and social movements in order to overcome this crisis and violence. We pray that democracy would be restored and that peace would return to Bolivia. 

 Bishop Antonio Huanca Corimayra

 A prayer for Bolivia.

 “…and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NRSV) 

Mighty God we lift up the nation of Bolivia before you. We thank you that you are a Wonderful Counselor, and we pray that you would grant the political, military and civil leaders in Bolivia the wisdom to lead the various groups through this crisis. We pray that they would lead in peace, in love and in a desire to seek political solutions that benefit and represent all Bolivians.

We pray that there would be constructive dialogue between political sectors and all social movements and that no more lives would be lost.

We pray that the current Bolivian authorities would ensure a fair electoral process in future presidential elections and that democracy would prevail.

We pray for all those suffering the consequences of the violent elements of the protests, food and fuel shortages. May you provide for the people in their time of needs, and may you fill them with hope.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen