Pastor Lyda Elena Arias de García, president of the Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL), received a congressional honor for women July 3 when the Senate awarded her the Order for Women and Democracy "Policarpa Salavarrieta."
The decoration was conferred through Honor Resolution No. 026 of 2026, at the initiative of Senator Lorena Ríos Cuéllar and the Legal Commission for Women's Equity (CLEM — Comisión Legal para la Equidad de la Mujer), which recognized Arias for her career of service, leadership and social commitment. The ceremony took place at Senate headquarters.
CEDECOL shared official images of the event and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
"We celebrate this important moment with deep gratitude to God and thank all the people who have been part of this journey of service, faith, and commitment to our nation," the organization stated on social media.
The Order for Women and Democracy "Policarpa Salavarrieta" is a congressional distinction honoring women who have made significant contributions to Colombia in public life. It bears the name of Policarpa Salavarrieta, a heroine of Colombian independence and a symbol of female leadership in the country's history.
Arias credited the senator who initiated the recognition and those who accompanied her throughout her career.
"I express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Lorena Ríos, who took the initiative to grant this recognition through the Legal Commission for Women's Equity (CLEM) of the Congress of the Republic," Arias posted on social media.
"My gratitude also goes to my family, to CEDECOL, to those who have walked alongside me during these years, and to each person who has been part of this purpose. This recognition renews my commitment to continue serving with love, integrity, and dedication to God, to the Church, and to our nation," she added.
CEDECOL said the distinction reflects a career marked by service, faith and commitment to Colombia, as well as an acknowledgment of evangelical leadership's contribution across various areas of society.
Arias has a 27-year ministry career. She is the senior pastor of the Christian Church Castillo de Oración y Milagros (Castle of Prayer and Miracles) and previously served as president of the Association of Gospel Ministers in Bolívar (AMEB — Asociación de Ministros del Evangelio en Bolívar) for nine years. She served as president of CEDECOL's Caribbean Coast affiliate, Fecaribe, for the 2022–2024 term and as secretary of CEDECOL's national board for the 2020–2024 term. She has served as CEDECOL president since 2024 and is elected through 2028.
CEDECOL is one of the principal representative bodies of the Colombian evangelical movement, bringing together churches, denominations, councils and Christian organizations throughout the country. In recent years it has participated in statements on religious freedom, education, civic participation and other matters of public interest, and has developed social service initiatives in support of affiliated churches.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
