The Congress of Colombia awarded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the Order of Democracy Simón Bolívar in the rank of Commander’s Cross on July 24, 2025, in Bogotá. The award recognizes the Church’s contribution to the spiritual development of families, morality and selfless service to others.
Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America Northwest Area Presidency received the insignia and diploma from Congresswoman Betsy Pérez Arango.
“We are very grateful and humbled to receive this recognition from such an honorable institution as Congress, which represents all citizens of this great nation,” Elder Villar said. “As members of the Church, we follow the example of Jesus Christ by helping those most in need.”
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-4.jpeg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-1.jpeg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-2.jpeg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-9.jpg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-7.jpeg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-6.jpeg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-5.jpeg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-3.jpeg
- Reconocimiento-Iglesia-Congreso-Col-10.jpeg
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
He added that the Church works with local organizations to extend its impact in the community. “We know that we can achieve much more when we serve together,” he stated.
Representative Pérez Arango said, “This recognition of the Church of Jesus Christ stems from appreciation for its vocation of service. One does not serve to receive praise but because it is an act of faith and love. The best way to serve the Lord is to serve His brothers and sisters.”
“The Lord Jesus Christ extended His hand to comfort and heal. That is what we seek to do. This distinction motivates us to continue holding hands and easing burdens,” said Elder Villar.
Currently, the Church has more than 217,000 members and 260 congregations in Colombia. The faith has carried out 154 humanitarian aid projects throughout the country in the past five decades.
“It has been a wonderful experience for the Church to receive the Commander’s Cross in recognition of all the humanitarian aid it provides in our country and around the world,” said Elder Yan Carlos Vega, an Area Seventy. “The Church does not seek this type of recognition, but feels deeply honored by this important distinction. This motivates us to be more Christian, more kind, more charitable, and to follow the example of the Savior Jesus Christ.”
The event was held in the Elliptical Hall of Congress and was attended by legislative authorities, religious leaders, representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ and media outlets.