The International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) was pleased to invite its members and partners to the 2025 Latin America Regional Meeting, held in the vibrant port city of Santos, Brazil from 23 to 25 April. This important gathering brought together chaplains, ship visitors, staff, and other stakeholders from across Central and South America, along with international guests. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to explore key trends and challenges in the welfare of seafarers and to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and cooperation across the region.
A special thanks was extended to the ICMA member societies based in Santos for their generous hosting of the event, and to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, whose financial support made the meeting possible. The Rev. Felipi Schütz Bennert, the ICMA Latin America regional contact, played a central role in coordinating the meeting and welcoming participants. The spirit of hospitality was felt throughout the days we shared together, reminding us once again of the warmth and commitment that defines our global network.
The meeting opened on Wednesday, 23 April, with a warm welcome and prayer led by Pastor Felipi Schütz Bennert, followed by a moving performance by the Coro Cênico Céu da Boca choir. Participants were then introduced to the wider work of ICMA through an overview presented by Dr. Jason Zuidema, General Secretary of ICMA, and a reflection on the value of our collective voice by The Rev’d Mark Nestlehutt, ICMA Trustee chair and Executive Director of The Seamen’s Church Institute. After a short break, the afternoon continued with a presentation of ICMA’s updated Code of Conduct and an opportunity for member organizations to introduce themselves and their work. In the evening, everyone enjoyed a festive opening dinner, providing space for informal networking and renewed friendships.
Thursday, 24 April, began with a time of prayer led by The Mission to Seafarers team. The morning session invited reflection on the deeper meaning of seafarers’ ministry as diakonia, with a theological presentation by Deacon Dionata de Oliveira of the Lutheran Church of Brazil. In the afternoon, attention turned to the vital topic of mental health in maritime life, with a presentation by Karin Bayona of ISWAN. After a coffee break, participants were moved by talks highlighting the realities faced by seafarers’ families, presented by Sra. Lala Tolentino from The Mission to Seafarers Philippines, and an address by Pastor Matthias Ristau of the Deutsche Seemannsmission on navigating challenges and opportunities in maritime mission today. The evening offered free time to explore the lively Gonzaga neighbourhood, with an optional tour of the Seafarers Center in Santos, giving a firsthand look at the local work supporting seafarers.
On Friday, 25 April, we opened the day once again with prayer, this time led by Stella Maris. The morning focused on understanding the port environment and health on board. Felipe Fray Buschinelli introduced participants to the Port of Santos—the largest port in Latin America—followed by an insightful presentation on seafarers’ health from the perspective of a port doctor from Cemin Centro Médico Internacional. After a short break, government perspectives on seafarers’ welfare were shared by Rodrigo Aoki Fuziy, Labour Inspector with Brazil’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Following lunch, participants were treated to a city tour and a boat trip around Santos, offering a relaxed and beautiful way to see the local port and continue conversations. The Port of Santos is one of the largest in Latin America, connecting to over 600 ports across 200 countries.
The meeting concluded with an ecumenical celebration and closing dinner at the Santos Lutheran Church, drawing together prayers, reflections, and thanks for the shared time. Participants departed on Saturday, 26 April, with some staying on for further society meetings, taking with them renewed friendships, strengthened partnerships, and a deeper sense of purpose in their ministry to seafarers.
To view media from the event, click here.
