Letters to the Editor (July 31, 2025)

The same side of the coin

Editor:

Not to state the obvious, but people in our community come from all walks of life and many skin tones. All have their own personal agenda, beliefs and way of doing things to benefit and nurture themselves and their families.

No one person is more valuable or important than the next person, and none are closer to God than the next person. This brings me to an observation and a reminder about modern ministries and religious teachings over time in our community.

What used to take a formal education in religious studies at a certified university is now gained for the low, low price of $29.99 over the internet. No pesky theology coursework, no boring teachers. All a person needs is a charismatic personality and people willing to jump on the bandwagon and voila, a business is established.

Starting a church is super easy, especially when you know people and you can recite passages from the Bible. The added bonus is that churches pay no taxes and are allowed to preach politics now. Well, certain churches anyway.

Again, I’m stating the obvious, but venture to say that many church leaders perform and proclaim well outside the actual teachings of Jesus to keep people interested in both attending and tithing.

Church pastors and their crew are well aware of the vibe of the population and must respond to it, according to the teachings of Jesus, or so we think.

Some churches have staff dedicated to inviting speakers and bands and politicians to boost revenues. There is an absolute smorgasbord of churches in Valencia County.

Check the local newspaper, see who their speaker will be this week. Churches are businesses, run by businessmen.

Many of them now follow trends and stats, exactly like political parties, to convince people to give them money and follow their political beliefs. Religion and politics are really the same side of the coin. Again, stating the obvious.

What isn’t so obvious is how deeply divisive it has become. That is something we should all pray about as we struggle to know our purpose in the skins we are in while following the teachings of the Lord.

Michelle Tafoya

Los Lunas

Another Belen event

Editor:

In recent weeks there have been events in Belen that do not align with most Belen residents.

We appreciate that not everyone believes as we do, yet we would be remiss to allow these events to go unnoticed. We believe a small minority of people practicing these behaviors are detrimental to the traditional family environment we are so happy to enjoy in Belen.

As a result, it is our intention to celebrate our beliefs, and we will come together as the body of Christ to do so.

As it is the right for persons to celebrate a lifestyle of their choosing, we choose to celebrate the traditional values of our faith, under the headship of Jesus Christ, as the Bible believing faith community of Belen.

Therefore, we have chosen to hold an event in celebration of these beliefs as a faith community at 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at Eagle Park. It will conclude with a fireworks display.

This event, called Belen Festival, will include games, activities for children and youth, a barbecue, a concert, a chance to win prizes and a fireworks display.

It is our desire to celebrate our long-standing values and encourage the community to continue in the values we hold so dear. Everyone is invited to attend.

Pastor Jason David,

Sunshine Church

Pastor Greg Outlaw,

The Way of Adonai

Pastor Greg MacPherson,

In His Presence Ministries

Pastor Barney Carbajal III,

Abundant Life Christian Center

Rev. Larry Sanchez,

Abundant Life Christian Center

Dr. Ray Miller,

Pray for Belen

Pastor Ray Jaramillo,

Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley

Pastor Richard Garcia,

Christian Family Church of God

Pastor Rudy Espinoza,

Christian Faith Chapel