The Latin American Association of Methodist Institutions of Education (ALAIME) is continuing its program focusing on the work of School Chaplains in Latin America. The event included a talk by Dr. Amos Nascimento, the IAMSCU Executive-Secretary, who discussed about “Global Education and Local Action: Pastoral Education, Campus Ministry, and School Chaplaincy in Wesleyan and Methodist Traditions.” His lecture relied on his work within the World Methodist Council and an initial research on the variety of experiences and concepts worldwide. He explained the history of different terms and how the ecumenical movement contributed to this multiplicity. Building on initiatives by Catholic and Protestant churches worldwide and then focusing on a survey of churches in the Wesleyan and Methodist traditions, Nascimento discussed some of the challenges and opportunities being presented in this field today. He also shred the work being performed by various organizations worldwide, including the work of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) with military chaplains, Clinical Pastoral Education, hospital chaplains, and campus ministry; the British Methodist Church with school chaplains, police chaplains, and firefighters; the Brazilian Association of University Pastoral Services (CONAPEU); the work of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) on “Earthkeepers” – which are environmental ministers – and recent educational programs launched by the Universidad del Centro Latinoamericano (UCEL) in Argentina. This was contrasted with various other forms of chaplaincy nowadays, including interfaith chaplaincy and even non-religious chaplaincy.
ALAIME will continue to offer new talks and activities on chaplaincy under this program. For more information, visit the ALAIME website: www.alaime.net