They are standing for his statements.
During a mid-February Sunday sermon, Pastor Dionny Báez delivered an inspiring message to his congregation, predicting a significant role for Latino communities in the United States in the eyes of God.
Amidst applause and rapt attention in their weekly evangelical service held in a converted nightclub, Pastor Báez emphasized the influence and responsibility that evangelical leaders hold within their communities, particularly during times of presidential campaigns.
In an interview with Noticias Telemundo, Pastor Báez highlighted the importance of aligning political choices with personal values, advising others to do the same as they navigate the upcoming November election.
Evangelical Latinos, described by evangelical Pastor Samuel Rodríguez as a more engaged voting bloc than ever before, are mobilized by issues such as national security, the economy, parental rights, religious freedom, and the rights of Christians.
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 10 million Hispanics in the U.S. identify as evangelical or Protestant, with a significant portion aligning with the Republican Party due to its conservative stance on matters like abortion.
Former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric at the National Convention of Religious Broadcasters, where he emphasized the importance of Christianity in American society, resonated strongly with evangelical audiences, despite claims of religious persecution that have been refuted.
This rhetoric is closely tied to the ideology of Christian nationalism, which advocates for a Christian-centric governance system and has gained traction among Hispanic evangelical and Protestant communities.
While a majority of Americans reject or are skeptical of Christian nationalism, it finds significant support among white evangelicals and Hispanic Protestants, with a notable increase in acceptance among the latter group between 2022 and 2023.
However, support for Christian nationalism remains low among other religious groups such as Hispanic Catholics and American Jews.
The correlation between Christian nationalist beliefs, Republican Party identity, and support for Trump is evident among whites and Hispanics, highlighting the political implications of these ideological leanings.
Religious leaders and scholars caution against the influence of Christian nationalism, emphasizing its potential to shape government and societal norms based on religious doctrine rather than secular principles.
