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Colombian Government Seeks Adventist Expertise in Spiritual Care
Confirmed
In Short: The Colombian government is seeking the expertise of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to strengthen spiritual care training for religious leaders who serve people during emergencies and crises.
At a national chaplaincy gathering in Bogotá on August 26, the Ministry of the Interior invited Adventist leaders to share their experience in chaplaincy training and asked Colombia Adventist University to develop an academic proposal.
Representatives from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including Milena Rey Alba from Colombia Adventist University and Mauricio Buitrago, Chaplaincy Ministries director of the North Colombian Union, attended the event.
Buitrago noted that the diploma focuses on spiritual care rather than chaplaincy, reflecting the Adventist approach that combines academic preparation, ministerial experience, and specialized training.
The Adventist delegation, led by Pastor Iván H., shared the church’s experience in chaplaincy training and explored how Adventist educational resources could help equip religious leaders to provide spiritual care in times of crisis.
Omaña, the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries director, emphasized the need for a different approach in crisis situations, focusing on listening without imposing answers and helping individuals navigate decisions.
Discussions are now underway with other denominations interested in the training, aiming to develop a comprehensive academic proposal that could serve leaders from various religious backgrounds.
Buitrago expressed hope that Adventist professionals will have greater opportunities to serve in hospitals, prisons, the military, and other community settings.
The gathering also included representatives from several faith communities, underscoring the interreligious nature of the initiative to strengthen spiritual support for people and families facing crises.
What this adds
The Adventist delegation's participation highlights the church's growing influence in Colombia's chaplaincy development.
What's confirmed
- The Colombian government is looking to the Seventh-day Adventist Church for expertise in strengthening spiritual care for religious leaders who serve people during emergencies and crises.
- Joining him were Milena Rey Alba, representing Colombia Adventist University; Mauricio Buitrago, Chaplaincy Ministries director of the North Colombian Union; Jair Florez, North Colombian Union Religious Liberty director; and Ludwing Morales, Chaplaincy Ministries director for the South Colombian Union.
- Buitrago said the invitation reflects interest in the Adventist Church’s established approach to chaplaincy, which combines academic preparation, ministerial experience, and specialized training.
- “The diploma is in spiritual care, not chaplaincy,” Buitrago said.
- According to the standards presented by Adventist representatives, professional chaplains are expected to have theological education, graduate studies, ministerial experience, and clinical pastoral education.
- Buitrago said chaplaincy in Colombia is still developing and expressed hope that Adventist professionals will eventually have greater opportunities to serve in hospitals, prisons, the military, and other community settings.
- According to Alba, discussions are now underway with denominations interested in the training.
- During a national chaplaincy gathering in Bogotá on August 26, the Ministry of the Interior invited Adventist leaders to share the church’s experience in chaplaincy training and asked Colombia Adventist University to develop an academic proposal that could serve leaders from different religious denominations.
- Representatives of several faith communities attended the National Chaplaincy Meeting and Interreligious Humanitarian Network of Colombia, which focused on strengthening spiritual support for people and families facing crises.
- Omaña, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries director and president of the Adventist Chaplaincy Institute at the General Conference, who served as a guest speaker.
- Together they shared the church’s experience in chaplaincy training and explored how Adventist educational resources could help equip religious leaders to provide spiritual care in times of crisis.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.