Colombian Congress Honors Adventist Church for Social and Spiritual Impact

Nation’s highest legislative body awards the Order of Merit to Democracy, recognizing over a century of education, health, and humanitarian service.

September 4, 2025 | Bogotá, Colombia | Laura Acosta and Cristin Serrano, and IAD News Staff

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colombia was awarded the Order of Merit to Democracy, Grand Commander rank, in recognition of its century-long contributions in education, humanitarian work, and spiritual development. The honor underscores the church’s role as a transformative social force, improving lives across the country.

Presented by the Second Constitutional Commission of the Senate on August 27, the award recognizes individuals or institutions whose work significantly benefits society. It marks the second time in five years that Colombia’s legislative body has honored the Seventh-day Adventist Church, underscoring its enduring impact on the nation. The ceremony highlighted the church’s ongoing impact in education, healthcare, media, humanitarian action, and the defense of fundamental rights.

“Today we present this Order of Democracy because you are doing outstanding social work for the country. It is given to people or institutions that serve humanity—in this case, Colombians,” said Senator Jose Vicente Carreño. “What we give is our affection, our recognition from Congress to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

Church leaders were on hand to receive the honor, including Pastor Henry Beltrán, president of the South Colombian Union, and Pastor Gonzalo Cardona, executive secretary of the North Colombia Union.

“The Adventist Church has received this decoration for its more than 100 years of service—building the common good, sharing God’s Word, and providing care for those in need,” said Beltrán. “Let’s sow love and share the love of Christ with those who need it most.”

Cardona added, “This recognition reflects the work the Church has been doing for decades. Our hospitals, schools, and universities serve not just members but all of society. Evangelism is vital because it transforms lives and homes.”

The celebration extended beyond the award ceremony. In the Central Plaza in front of the Congress Building, Colombia’s highest legislative body, church leaders and members showcased their institutions and community initiatives. Among them were the IADPA Bookstore, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Esperanza Radio and AWR Colombia, Hope Media, the Adventist food company, and the church’s urban community service platform. The exhibition led into the official ceremony and was followed by a musical concert.

As part of the day’s outreach, Senator Carreño and other officials received personalized Bibles from the church. Pastor Daniel Herrera, who coordinated the logistics, explained, “Each Bible is personalized with the recipient’s name and includes a QR code linking to 20 introductory Bible studies. This allows senators and representatives to gradually learn to pray and study God’s Word.”

Building on this initiative, Edgar Santana, an Adventist staff member in Congress, expressed his joy: “It has always been in my heart for the Church to have a presence here. I’m glad that something as valuable as the message of salvation can be brought to this place.” He noted that the reception was overwhelmingly positive and emphasized that the activity is part of a broader series of missionary initiatives, including a health expo and upcoming chaplaincies and prayer services within Congress.

Senator Carreño concluded with encouragement: “May you continue this beautiful work for humanity, for society, and for guiding people toward God. The most important thing is that you keep teaching the good path we should all follow.”

Beltrán reflected on the significance of the award: “This decoration not only honors our historic legacy but also opens new doors for collaboration between faith-based organizations and public institutions, benefiting all Colombians.”

About the Church in Colombia

In Colombia, its first church was established in Bogotá in 1921. Today, the church has over 273,000 members, 2,002 congregations, 51 schools, one university, three medical centers, two health food branches, and a media network including Hope Media, Esperanza Radio, and AWR Colombia, alongside its humanitarian arm ADRA Colombia.

Church leaders say the Church’s emphasis on social action is a Christian response to Colombia’s inequalities, humanitarian crises, and the needs of vulnerable communities.