IslandsDaily
Aruba Pastor: Marriage Is God's Design, Cohabitation Is SinfulPhoto: 24ora
CommunityAruba

Aruba Pastor: Marriage Is God's Design, Cohabitation Is Sinful

Source: 24ora·1 hour ago·Aruba·1 min read

Father Marcel Balootje, a Catholic pastor in Aruba, has publicly stated that marriage is a divine institution established by God and that cohabitation without marriage is morally wrong. He grounded his position in the biblical text of Genesis 2:24, emphasizing that God defined marriage from the very beginning as a union between a man and a woman. Balootje acknowledged that times and people change, but insisted that the word of God does not. His remarks reflect ongoing tension in Aruba between traditional religious values and evolving social norms around relationships and family structure. The pastor's public statement is notable given that cohabitation is increasingly common across the Caribbean, including Aruba. His comments are likely to spark community discussion about the role of the church in shaping personal and social choices on the island.

Key Facts
  • Pastor Marcel Balootje publicly declared that marriage is ordained by God and cohabitation without marriage is sinful.
  • He cited Genesis 2:24 as the biblical foundation for marriage being between a man and a woman.
  • His statement highlights a broader cultural debate in Aruba between religious tradition and modern relationship norms.
Enjoyed this story? Get the daily digest free.
Digest launches early October — subscribe now to reserve your spot.
Read original articleSummary translated automatically · Source: 24ora

You are leaving IslandsDaily. The article will open on the publisher's site in its original language — your browser may offer to translate it.

More from Community · Aruba

AHATA rolls out heat safety guidelines to protect Aruba workers
Community

AHATA rolls out heat safety guidelines to protect Aruba workers

As Aruba continues to experience intense heat, the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) has taken proactive steps to address the health risks faced by outdoor and hospitality workers. AHATA's Environmental Committee has developed educational materials designed to help companies and employees reduce the dangers associated with prolonged heat exposure. The initiative aims to equip businesses with practical tools and guidance to create safer working conditions during periods of extreme heat. The materials are targeted at employers and workers across sectors most vulnerable to heat-related illness, including tourism and hospitality. The move reflects growing concern about occupational health and safety as rising temperatures become a more persistent issue in the Caribbean. By distributing educational resources, AHATA hopes to reduce incidents of heat exhaustion and other heat-related medical conditions among the island's workforce. The campaign underscores the association's broader commitment to worker welfare alongside its traditional focus on tourism promotion.

Key Facts
  • AHATA's Environmental Committee created educational materials to help companies and workers manage heat exposure risks.
  • The initiative comes in response to ongoing intense heat conditions being experienced across Aruba.
  • The resources are aimed at reducing heat-related health risks for workers, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Source: Noticia Cla·55 minutes ago
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Noticia Cla
Dornasol Elementary School Staff Begins Specialized Autism Training
Community

Dornasol Elementary School Staff Begins Specialized Autism Training

The staff team at Scol Basico Dornasol in Oranjestad, Aruba, has launched a year-long specialized training course aimed at strengthening their ability to support children with diverse needs, with a particular focus on autism and behavioral challenges. The program represents a deliberate investment in professional development for educators working with students who require tailored guidance and support. By dedicating a full year to this training, the school signals a long-term commitment to inclusive education practices. The course is designed to equip teachers and support staff with practical tools and deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental differences. This kind of specialized training is increasingly recognized as essential in Caribbean school systems, where resources and expertise for special needs education have historically been limited. The initiative positions Dornasol as a school actively working to improve outcomes for its most vulnerable students.

Key Facts
  • Scol Basico Dornasol in Oranjestad has begun a one-year specialized training course for its staff.
  • The training focuses on supporting children with autism and behavioral challenges.
  • The program is designed to build staff capacity to guide students with diverse and special needs.
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Noticia Cla
Restoration of Historic Cas Debrot Underway, New Function Planned for 2027
Community

Restoration of Historic Cas Debrot Underway, New Function Planned for 2027

The second phase of restoration work on Cas Debrot, a historic building located at Caya Betico Croes 98 in Oranjestad, Aruba, officially began on Monday, August 31. The project is being led by Hoevertsz ArchiDesign N.V., with General Property Services handling the construction work. Cas Debrot is a culturally significant structure in Aruba's capital, and its restoration reflects ongoing efforts to preserve the island's architectural heritage. Once completed, the building is expected to receive a new function, breathing fresh life into the landmark while retaining its historic character. The project is anticipated to be completed and ready for its new purpose by 2027. The restoration is part of a broader commitment to rehabilitating Aruba's historic downtown corridor along Caya Betico Croes.

Key Facts
  • The second phase of restoration of Cas Debrot on Caya Betico Croes 98 in Oranjestad began on August 31.
  • The project is guided by Hoevertsz ArchiDesign N.V. and carried out by General Property Services.
  • The historic building is expected to receive a new function upon completion in 2027.
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Noticia Cla