Remarks made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro during the reopening of a hospital in Bogotá have caused widespread concern among Christian communities across the country.
In his speech, Petro said he does not refer to Jesus as “Christ,” claiming the title was a Greek term used to portray Jesus as a figure of political power and kingship. He argued that this image does not reflect who Jesus truly was.
The president described Jesus as a “man of light, of truth and a revolutionary.” He also made personal comments about Jesus’ life, suggesting that Jesus may have had a romantic relationship, possibly with Mary Magdalene. These statements were recorded on video and quickly circulated online.
Christian leaders and organisations responded with strong criticism, saying the remarks misrepresent core Christian beliefs and show a lack of respect for the Christian faith.
The Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL), which represents thousands of churches and millions of believers, released a statement expressing deep concern and rejecting the president’s comments.
CEDECOL said the Bible presents Jesus Christ as holy and fully committed to God’s purpose, and describes Mary Magdalene as a devoted follower whose life was transformed by grace. The organisation stated that linking these figures to sexual speculation has no biblical basis.
The group also warned that questioning the identity of Jesus Christ undermines the foundations of Christian theology. It called on public officials to respect religious freedom, which is protected under Colombia’s Constitution, and to avoid using sacred figures in ways that offend the deeply held beliefs of citizens.
Christian commentators also weighed in on the controversy. Juan Sebastián Cortés, writing in Diario Cristiano Internacional, said the president’s statements showed a poor understanding of Christian history and theology.
Cortés explained that the term “Christ” comes from the Greek word Christos, which translates the Hebrew Messiah. He noted that this term was already used in Jewish Scripture long before the time of Jesus and is central to Christian belief.
He further argued that the president’s comments weaken the core Christian message, the proclamation of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and replace it with a political interpretation rooted in personal ideology.
Many Christian leaders said the issue is not about academic debate, but about preserving the meaning and reverence of the Gospel. They expressed concern that religious beliefs are being reduced to political tools rather than treated with respect.
The reaction highlights growing tensions between the government and Christian communities, both evangelical and Catholic, as public comments by national leaders continue to raise questions about respect for faith in a diverse and democratic society.
Adapted from Christian Daily International. Originally published by Diario Cristiano, CDI's Spanish edition.
