‘Jesus had two fathers’ campaign offends religious feelings, say Portuguese evangelicals

The Portuguese Evangelical Alliance believes a campaign by left-wing party Bloco de Esquerda “provokes and offends the religious feelings of many Christians.”

On Thursday 10 February, the new Portuguese government approved a law through which homosexual partners are now able to adopt children.

The Blogo de Esquerda “celebrates” the “end of this discrimation” with a poster showing a traditional image of Jesus on a pink background. The slogan reads: “Jesus also had two fathers.”

“Freedom of expression must be exercised within the framework of respect for the religious feelings of citizens”, the Portuguese Evangelical Alliance (PEA) expressed in a statement on their website.

“Comparing the question of the divinity and humanity of Christ with the adoption of children by homosexual couples is obviously unreasonable and offends the sensibilities of Portuguese Christians, whether Catholic or evangelical”.

Evangelical Christians in the country “believe in the dual nature of Jesus Christ: spiritual, where he has his perfect Deity, and Human, where a loving father, Joseph, adopted and loved him as all fathers and mothers should love, without discrimination.”

The PEA adds: “Jesus Christ is recognised by us and in us, not by images or icons, but by regenerated lives.”

“Since Jesus Christ came and suffered unto death, to regenerate lives, and demonstrate an attitude of love and forgiveness toward those who offend Him, we do not want, as evangelical Christians, to counterattack in a polemical spirit”, the statement continues.

“At the same time, we need to say that we believe and uphold the Biblical values regarding the Family, and we will continue to pray for those in positions of responsibility, whether in Government, Parliament, courts or local authorities.”

“We strive to contribute in all spheres of action for which God has called us, so that the society becomes fairer, within the ethical parameters of what the Scriptures teach”, the PEA concludes.

Portuguese Evangelical Alliance.

The Portuguese Evangelical Alliance was founded in 1921, and unites and mobilises evangelical Christians in the country. Nearly 700 churches are affiliated, as well as 400 personal members and about 60 organisations.