The Venezuelan Evangelical Council (CEV) has launched a landmark initiative to strengthen religious freedom nationwide, signing its first agreement to create an Advisory Commission on Religious Freedom — an effort formally approved at the council’s 51st Annual Assembly.

The event included a visit from attorney Maurice Eustache, one of three jurists appointed to the project. At the CEV headquarters, CEV President Pastor César Mermejo and Secretary of Records Pastor Zoraida de García joined Eustache for a time of prayer and discussion before signing the document that outlines the commission’s initial responsibilities.

The commission will focus on providing guidance, education, and advisory support to Venezuela’s evangelical community, under the institutional leadership of the CEV.

A strategic plan with seven pillars

The commission’s creation follows groundwork laid at the First Gathering of Discernment and Outcry, held shortly before the assembly under the theme “Understanding the Times.” More than 70 pastors and leaders from 14 states met to chart a plan addressing current challenges.

The gathering produced a seven-point strategic action plan:

• Unity: Promote spiritual unity around evangelical values.

• Bible: Encourage reading, applying, and teaching God’s Word.

• Formation: Provide training in areas such as integral mission, discipleship, Christian stewardship, national and vocational identity, and life skills with a missional focus.

• Hope: Support pastoral and community well-being, with an emphasis on social reconciliation.

• Compassion: Coordinate a national response to humanitarian needs.

• Religious Freedom: Establish an advisory commission to assist the leadership on matters related to freedom of worship and engagement with the state.

• Prayer: Launch a national prayer movement for Venezuela. 

With this plan approved, the assembly tasked the CEV leadership with launching a movement called “Understanding the Times,” aimed at translating these priorities into concrete action.

A Historic Step for Religious Freedom

The Venezuelan Evangelical Council expressed gratitude and high expectations for this institutional milestone.

“This is a first major step for the evangelical community in Venezuela, honoring the work and legacy of so many men and women of God who have fought for religious freedom in our country,” said Pastor César Mermejo.

The organization also called on churches and believers to support the initiative in prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the team of professionals and pastors who will lead this effort.