Colombian President's Remarks on Jesus Spark Outcry Among Faithful
BOGOTA — A public speech by Colombia's left-wing President Gustavo Petro has plunged his administration into a religious controversy, after he suggested Jesus Christ shared a physically intimate relationship with Mary Magdalene.
During a recent address, Petro argued that a figure like Jesus "could not exist without love," adding that Christ "died surrounded by women who loved him, and there were many." He went further, stating that Jesus "made love," and specified, "perhaps with Mary Magdalene," who is recognized in the New Testament as one of his followers.
The remarks have struck a nerve in Colombia, where over 90% of the population identifies as Christian, with Catholicism being the dominant faith. Traditional Christian doctrine holds that Jesus lived a life of celibacy and never married.
Religious institutions were quick to condemn the president's theological interpretation. The Evangelical Confederation of Colombia accused Petro of distorting "historical, biblical and theological truth" and demonstrating a "profound lack of respect." The country's Episcopal Conference, representing Catholic bishops, urged politicians to refrain from making public "theological" declarations and called for "respect, non-interference, and the protection of people in their beliefs."
Petro, a former guerrilla who was educated in Catholic schools but now identifies as a non-practicing Catholic, has long been associated with liberation theology. This school of thought emphasizes social justice, advocacy for the poor, and often challenges established power structures, including within the Church.
Voices from the Public:
"As a historian, I find the president's choice to publicly reinterpret sacred texts for political discourse deeply problematic. It shifts focus from pressing policy issues to unnecessary cultural divisions," says Dr. Elena Rios, a professor of political science at the University of the Andes.
"This is an outright and deliberate provocation against millions of believers. He's mocking our faith from the highest office. It's disgraceful and shows a complete lack of presidential decorum," fumes Marco Silva, a small business owner and community church leader in Medellín.
"While I personally disagree with his interpretation, the intense backlash highlights our society's ongoing struggle to separate personal faith from civic discourse. The presidency isn't a pulpit," notes Camila Vargas, a legal analyst based in Bogotá.
"It's fascinating how a single comment can reveal the enduring power of religious identity in our secular state. The reaction, more than the statement itself, is the real story here," observes Father Antonio Lozano, a retired priest and theologian.
The controversy has been seized upon by political opponents. Conservative presidential candidate Vicky Davila labeled Petro's words a "calculated provocation" meant to distract from other issues. Analysts suggest the incident may further polarize a nation where Petro's reform agenda already faces stiff opposition.
The episode underscores the delicate balance leaders must maintain in a country that is constitutionally secular yet deeply religious in practice, where statements about core faith figures resonate far beyond political circles.