Peru: Church calls for resignation of nation’s president

15 Feb 2023

In an open letter, in response to the ongoing political protests and unrest in Peru, Pastor President Rev. Pedro Bullón calls for the resignation of the nation’s president as death toll rises.

Rev. Pedro Bullón

Rev. Pedro Bullón called for the resignation of the president of his country due to the dramatic situation that is worsening day-by-day. Photo: LWF/Eugenio Albrecht 

Peruvian leadership expresses concern in an open letter 

(LWI) -  "There is no more time or lives to lose President Dina Boluarte, resign now," is  the clear demand in an open letter signed by Rev. Pedro Bullón, Pastor President of the Lutheran Church of Peru (ILP) expressing  concern about the recent political turmoil in the country. 

Bullón said that two months ago he welcomed the beginning of President Boluarte’s administration and the call for unity among Peruvians. He continued that it was “a new stage that promised to include a new call for general elections, as well as necessary reforms to strengthen democracy and address the most urgent demands of the population.”  

“However,” he writes "in 60 days of government, you have done and allowed exactly the opposite.” 

Demanding your resignation does not turn us into terrorists, nor into accomplices of those who resort to vandalism to make their claims, or to discredit the protest.

– Rev. Pedro Bullón

According to a report from the Ombudsman's Office, “as of 5 February 47 civilians have died in the ensuing protests, another 11 deaths in related events and the death of one police officer." 

At the time of the report, there were 1,229 cases of injured people and more than 700 people detained by the police.   

Bullón reiterated the message of ILP’s letter.  “Demanding your resignation does not turn us into terrorists, nor into accomplices of those who resort to vandalism to make their claims, or to discredit the protest."  

He warned, "Your permanence in power is destroying what little we have left of democracy.  Therefore, Madam President, in the name of God, and from the pain of the families and communities that have been deeply affected by the death of their loved ones, we demand that you stop the repression and resign now!" 

ILP has long been on the forefront of advocating for human rights, solidarity with Venezuelan refugees, awareness of gender-based violence, protecting the Amazon rainforest, and defending democracy in Peru.

LWF/A. Gray