Latin America

Advocates Latin America started with the Christian Legal Society of Peru, founded in 2001 by Alfonso Wieland, leader of the Peruvian organization “Peace and Hope,” business lawyer Carlos Carrasco, law professor Vilma “Nina” Balmaceda, and Carlos Zelada.

After being challenged by Sam Ericsson to bring together the Christian lawyers of Latin America, Nina Balmaceda helped organize the First Latin American Convention for Christian Lawyers in Ica, Peru in August 2001. The 100 Christian lawyers who attended then founded the Latin American Christian Lawyers Network (RLAAC), the Latin American arm of Advocates International (ALA).

In October 2007, with the support of Handong International Law School (HILS), the ALA offered the first formal module of ALA/RLAAC’s International Certification Program in International Law at Guayaquil University.

Current Projects

MEXICO: In May 2010, nearly 100 advocates from a dozen Latin American nations attended the 9th Advocates Latin America (ALA) Regional Conference in Acapulco, Mexico. The theme of the conference was “Rule of Law in Latin America: Perspectives for the 21st Century.” AI President Sam Ericsson was a keynote speaker. The conference elected a superb Board of Directors, including Gerardo Amarilla as the ALA President. Gerardo is the first evangelical Deputy ever elected to the National Congress in Uruguay.

URUGUAY: In Uruguay, pro-abortion forces funded by Planned Parenthood published two books attacking the decision by Uruguay’s former President to veto an abortion on demand law. ALA lawyers are working with the Institute of Christian Advocates of Uruguay in writing a book to counter the book paid for by the abortion industry.

ARGENTINA: In collaboration with ALA colleagues, our Argentinean Advocates submitted to the National Congress a bill strengthening Argentina’s laws on adoption.

EL SALVADOR: In El Salvador, our national advocates have been engaged in strengthening laws protecting the institution of family and marriage.