© Kroozendijk

Aruba is a beautiful island in the Caribbean that attracts millions of tourists every year. Many of them come to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand, but some of them also seek a deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. For those who are looking for spiritual guidance, comfort or celebration, Aruba Ministries offers a unique and inclusive service that caters to their needs.

Founding

Aruba Ministries, founded in 2018, has been operating as a diaspora of the Open Episcopal Church in Aruba since 2023 and was formally established by notarial act in 2024. It embraces individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs, and orientations, honoring their dignity and freedom. The priests and ministers of Aruba Ministries serve under the leadership of Bishop Jonathan C. Blake, with the province of Aruba falling under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of London.

Mission

The mission of Aruba Ministries is to provide spiritual, Christian, and non-religious (atheist) counselling and ceremonial services for the tourist population of Aruba. Whether they are facing a personal crisis, a life transition, or a joyful occasion, Aruba Ministries can help them find solace, support, or celebration. The services include pastoral care, marriage preparation and officiation, baptism and confirmation, funeral and memorial, healing and reconciliation, and spiritual direction.

Philosophy

Our philosophy, within the religious context of our church, we uphold the belief that God is great, powerful, and wise, capable of touching the hearts of people independently. We do not claim exclusive or final truth about God but rather invite individuals to explore their own relationship with the divine through study, prayer, and sacraments. Our faith asserts that God is revealed through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, and the embodiment of divine love. Additionally, we recognize the presence and activity of God in the Holy Spirit, who guides, inspires, and empowers individuals intrinsically. This trinitarian understanding reflects the entirety of God’s being in relation to humanity.

In contrast, rooted in secular humanism, promoting and advocating the inherent capacities of humanity for reason, compassion, and understanding. We believe in the profound influence individuals can have on one another through these innate qualities. We do not necessarily affirm the existence of a divine being or ultimate truth. Instead, we advocate for individuals to cultivate their own understanding of the world through critical thinking, empathy, and empirical observation. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities of existence and the interconnectedness of humanity.

Our church operates on principles of respect and honor for the diverse beliefs and autonomy of individuals. We refrain from judgement or condemnation based on differing convictions. Instead of evangelizing as a means of promoting our beliefs or recruiting members, we prioritize spreading love. We trust in the inherent ways God reaches people’s hearts and believe in the sufficiency of God’s grace for all.

Sources

The church is solely there to accommodate a sphere of community, study, prayer, and enable people to receive through acts, symbols, and rituals. The institute follows the sacraments and liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer, the Roman Missal and the Lutheran book of prayer which are both based on the ancient practices of the early church and incorporates elements from various traditions. Our church is a safe place for different denominations, opinions and convictions. The church also offers opportunities for meditation, contemplation, and silence, as well as for social justice, outreach, and ecumenism.

Aruba ministries is a place where tourists can find a home away from home, a community of faith that welcomes them with open arms, and a ministry that serves them with compassion and grace. Aruba ministries is more than just a service provider; it is a partner in your spiritual journey.

Aruba Sunrise Ministries is registered with Chamber of Commerce under number S.2079.0

…I was fortunate to receive pastoral care when I visited Aruba after losing my husband. Pastor Vincent was kind, compassionate, and helpful. He helped me cope with my grief and find hope for the future. I highly recommend Aruba Ministries to anyone who needs someone to talk to while on vacation. They are a blessing to the island and its visitors.

— Tonya Duncan

I had the most amazing romantic beach wedding in Aruba thanks to Picnic Aruba. They are the Picnic company on the island and offer luxury and affordable pop-up picnics that are perfect for any occasion. They took care of everything, from the location to the decoration, to the food and drinks. They also arranged for Vincent from Aruba Ministries to be our officiant, who gave us a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. They made our wedding day unforgettable, with a stunning setting, a delicious 3 course picnic dinner, and a personalized service. PicNic Aruba is the best event planner for anyone who wants to have a dreamy and intimate wedding in paradise.

— the R… family