Hispanic Evangelist Samuel Rodriguez Says Choice For President Is ‘Crystal Clear’ When Considering Religious Liberty

By Suzette Gutierrez-Cachila

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, evangelist and leader of the largest Hispanic Christian organization in the world, said his choice for the presidential election is “crystal clear.”

His statement is based on an assessment of the candidates’ stand on issues, particularly religious liberty, the Supreme Court and establishing an atmosphere where the gospel of Jesus can be preached freely.

"I'm not sure what's left to be said,” Rodriguez said in an interview with CBN News. “The party platforms and the candidates' positions are clear. On this issue it's crystal clear."

"The next president will determine whether or not my children, and my children's children will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ preached,” Rodriguez added.

Rodriguez is the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, which represents over 100 million Hispanic evangelicals from more than 40,000 churches in the U.S. and about 450,000 churches in other Spanish-speaking countries.

Rodriguez met with Christian leaders on Thursday to talk about the coming election and to answer the important question of how a Christian should vote.

While he did not endorse any candidate, Rodriguez did identify a number of issues that the Latin community should look at to see where the candidates stand.

One of these is the issue on immigrants. Republican nominee Donald Trump has made controversial statements regarding immigrants, particularly from Mexico, and said they bring in many problems like drugs and crime.

He said some of them are rapists, and he even went as far as saying the Mexican government intentionally sends its “criminals” to the U.S. His comments made some of his business partners distance themselves from him.

"Donald Trump's rhetoric about immigrants is indefensible," Rodriguez said. However, he also called out the Democratic party’s failure over immigration reform. "The democratic party's failure to address comprehensive immigration reform when they controlled both houses of congress remains indefensible."

He also addressed the issue of abortion. According to him, majority of Hispanics, whether from the evangelical churches or the Catholic church, are pro-life.

"Latinos are pro-life,” Rodriguez said. “Latinos, whether they be Evangelical or Catholic, must never sacrifice truth on the altar of political expediency.”

He expressed satisfaction over Trump’s pro-life stance, although he found the candidate’s immigration comments “questionable.”

Rodriguez said many Hispanics would likely sit out the November election because they can’t decide who to vote. He encouaged the Latino community to go out and vote.

"I think many will stay home for a lack of trust in both parties," he says. "It's always an imperfect choice and everyone now has to make theirs. I am hoping that disillusionment with the presidential race does not keep voters from showing up to vote down ballot."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo