Each year on 15 September, the historical contribution of evangelical churches in Argentina is recognised, especially their commitment to education, a legacy that began with William Morris, the founder of the country's first evangelical school.

For this reason, the Senate of the nation held an official event in the Blue Room for the first time, to recognise the over 110 evangelical schools operating in Argentina.

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The event was proposed by the evangelical Senator Nadia Márquez, who presided over the meeting alongside the acting President of the Senate, Bartolomé Abdala. Also in attendance were Patricio Barber Soler, the Deputy Secretary of Private Sector Education, and Martín Menem, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, who closed the event.

The legacy of William Morris

The involvement of evangelical churches in Argentinian public life, especially in education, dates back to figures such as William C. Morris. A Methodist pioneer, Morris founded the country's first evangelical school at the end of the 19th century, promoting a pedagogical model centred on literacy, social inclusion, and holistic development.

Since then, the number and diversity of evangelical schools has increased, and they have become institutions that combine academic excellence, ethical values, community work and a strong sense of service.

They have often been key players in vulnerable neighbourhoods, rural areas and places that the state finds difficult to reach.

Religious and educational recognition

The presence of national and legislative authorities gave the event a cross-cutting and federal character, stressing that the recognition is not limited to religious expression, but also acknowledges the sustained educational effort involving thousands of teachers, principals, and families.

Christian Hooft, president of the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of Argentina (ACIERA), was accompanied by representatives of the leading evangelical educational organisations, including Daniel Ochoa, president of the Council of Evangelical Christian Schools (CECE), and Gastón Bruno, president of the Evangelical Schools Association of Argentina (ADEEA).

These two organisations bring together institutions with decades of experience, and coordinate programmes to train teachers, provide pedagogical support, and strengthen institutions.

“Historic and deeply emotional”

The organisers described the event as “historic and deeply emotional”, not only because of its unique nature, but also because it paves the way for closer collaboration between the state and evangelical educational institutions.

The day ended with the presentation of diplomas to representatives of over 110 schools from various provinces, showing the territorial diversity of the evangelical educational movement, which ranges from major urban centres to small rural communities.

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