The elected government exhibits its religious beliefs in spiritual retreat

President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella has convened his newly appointed cabinet ministers, advisors, and officials for a spiritual retreat ahead of his inauguration on August 7. The retreat took place in Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, at the Marymount College in the Sabanilla neighborhood. De La Espriella arrived at the venue shortly after 10:00 AM local time, with participants beginning to arrive earlier in the day. The event was described as a moment of reflection, unity, and spiritual preparation before assuming the responsibilities of governing Colombia. The retreat marked the first time the entire incoming government team gathered together. Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo shared a brief video of the gathering, stating that they were placing the life of President-elect De La Espriella in God’s hands and asking for wisdom to rebuild the country into a “miraculous homeland.” In the video, De La Espriella expressed gratitude for the presence of those attending the retreat, emphasizing that the group would work together to lead Colombia toward greatness. He called this period of preparation essential for building a nation guided by faith, teamwork, and humility. According to official communications released last Friday, the retreat was more than a ceremonial event, it represented the core values that would guide De La Espriella's administration. A statement highlighted that governing effectively requires not just technical expertise but also spiritual guidance, shared purpose, and divine support. This message resonated with several members of the incoming government, including Jaime Andrés Beltrán, the designated Minister of Housing and an evangelical pastor. He emphasized the importance of spiritual transcendence in governance, stating that only those who understand its significance can truly appreciate the need to entrust Colombia’s future to God. Beltrán’s remarks underscored the central role religion plays in the new administration’s vision. Videos posted online showed him participating in Christian rituals and ceremonies during the retreat. His wife, Ana Lucía Pineda, who is set to become First Lady, was also present. She shared her reflections on the retreat, stating that she reaffirmed the belief that building a great nation requires placing God at the center of all decisions. Social media posts from the retreat included messages such as “The hand of man is useless without the help of God” and “We all lived a moment of encounter and unity because we know the battle ahead is also spiritual.” De La Espriella’s emphasis on spirituality has been a defining feature of his political rise. After declaring himself an atheist earlier in his career, his conversion to Christianity became one of the key factors behind his popularity, particularly among evangelical Christians. This religious transformation helped solidify his appeal and contributed to his emergence as a prominent figure in Colombian politics. However, the focus on religious symbolism has drawn criticism from some quarters. Prominent leftist figures have questioned the prominence of religion in the new government’s agenda. Carlos Carrillo, former director of Risk Management, criticized the approach, calling it an affront to the Constitution and a step backward for the country. He labeled the incoming administration as “fascist,” arguing that replacing constitutional principles with biblical teachings is unacceptable. Carolina Gómez, the future spokesperson for De La Espriella, responded to these criticisms, asserting that it is actually intolerant to expect Colombians to hide their faith to avoid offending the left. Her comments reflect the broader debate over the role of religion in public life and governance in Colombia. As the new government prepares to take office, the spiritual retreat serves as both a symbolic and practical exercise in uniting the administration under common values. It signals a clear direction for De La Espriella’s leadership, which will likely continue to emphasize faith alongside policy-making.