In a recent assault on the Catholic Church and various Christian communities in Nicaragua, President Daniel Ortega’s regime, led by his wife Vice President Rosario Murillo, has taken a severe measure by revoking the legal personhood of multiple religious congregations and evangelical groups.
This move adds to the ongoing challenges faced by religious organizations in the country.
Government Order and Publication:
On January 16, the Ministry of the Interior officially announced the cancellation of legal personhood for 16 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through a publication in the government’s official newspaper, La Gaceta.
The agreement, signed by Minister María Amelia Coronel Kinloch, outlines the directive, affecting a total of 10 Catholic and evangelical institutions among the targeted NGOs.
Impact on Religious Organizations:
Out of the 16 groups subjected to this measure, nine organizations are facing dissolution by government order, leading to the expropriation of their assets.
The remaining seven organizations, as per the government notice, opted for voluntary cancellation.
The six religious groups dissolved by the government include the Consecrated Missionaries of the Most Holy Savior Foundation, the Missionaries of the Company of Mary Association (Montfort Missionaries), the Jehovah Will Provide Pentecost Mission Association, the Evangelistic and Prophetic Apostolic Mission Association, the New Restoration Family Church Foundation, and the Worldwide Missions Association of Nicaragua.
Conclusion:
This recent action by the Nicaraguan government adds to the existing concerns about religious freedom in the country, particularly for Catholic and evangelical institutions.
Revoking the legal status of these organizations raises questions about the motives behind such a decision and its broader implications for the affected religious communities.
The international community may closely monitor developments and responses from religious leaders and advocacy groups in the wake of this measure.
Religion News