The Catholic Church and the Evangelical Fellowship of Honduras have announced a national mobilization for peace, scheduled for August 16, 2025, in a context marked by growing political polarization and citizen mistrust. Under the slogan “We walk with faith and hope,” the call seeks to make a collective appeal for justice, life, and respect for the rule of law.
The initiative represents an unusual event in the country’s recent history: it is the first time in decades that both religious institutions have jointly promoted an action of this magnitude in response to the violence, institutional deterioration, and pre-election tension that the country is experiencing.
Church statements and the meaning of the mobilization
The organizers of the march have emphasized the peaceful and non-partisan nature of the event. In public statements, both Catholic and Evangelical leaders have indicated that the central objective is to demonstrate a citizen commitment to social peace and democratic coexistence, without any connection to partisan agendas.
El evento se presenta como un espacio para exigir el respeto a los derechos fundamentales, especialmente ante el aumento de la violencia y la crisis en el sistema político y sus instituciones. Según los organizadores, la actividad está abierta a toda la ciudadanía y busca reforzar un mensaje de unidad nacional frente a la fragmentación política.
Claims of political interference
In the days preceding the event, accusations surfaced from religious and civic groups concerning supposed plans by the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party to sway the march for political gain. Event organizers reported that social media calls had been noticed, encouraging attendees to join the rally with messages or slogans supportive of the party.
In response, church spokespeople have been emphatic in rejecting any attempt at political manipulation. They have expressly asked party members to refrain from bringing flags or symbols that could disrupt the civic spirit of the day. They also called for avoiding confrontations that could undermine the main purpose of the event.
Even though certain members of the governing party have backed the initiative and shown their readiness to adhere to its rules, uncertainties persist regarding the potential to uphold the nonpartisan character of the occasion amidst a deeply divided atmosphere.
Political context and challenges for institutions
The call comes at a time of growing political conflict. The country is heading toward a new electoral process, while questions persist about the impartiality of the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the transparency of the process. Tensions between parties have escalated in recent weeks, with accusations of sabotage and attempts at institutional manipulation.
In this context, the peace march is depicted as a symbolic reaction to the deterioration of institutions and the waning public trust in democratic processes. Religious leaders have advocated for the protection of the constitutional framework and a revival of a national conversation agenda, devoid of partisan interests.
Some opposition figures have warned that the ruling party is trying to take advantage of civic activities to regain legitimacy in the eyes of an increasingly critical citizenry. The churches, for their part, have insisted that the mobilization seeks precisely to avoid such dynamics and focus attention on the need for national reconciliation.
A call from citizens during times of political instability
The August 16 march is shaping up to be a milestone in Honduras, not only because of the joint participation of the main churches, but also because of the political backdrop. Warnings about its possible co-optation reflect the level of tension facing the country and the fragility of its institutions in the face of citizen processes.
The march represents an effort to open spaces for collective expression in an environment marked by confrontation and mistrust. The way in which it unfolds and how it is received by political actors could offer clues about the viability of broad agreements in the near future, in a context where democratic stability increasingly depends on citizen engagement and the integrity of its institutions.
