The challenge of sustainability of religious institutionsMila GlodavaThe Church in the Philippines aspires to be of the poor".Backed by extensive experience in the field of senior management consulting in Risk, Operations and Audit, Pedro Alfonso Ceballos is, as of August 2022, the Executive Director of Administration, Finance and Human Resources of the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops' Council (CELAM).
Previously, Ceballos led the start-up and development of the operations of "Geoban Argentina", a company of the Santander Group specialized in BPO and process outsourcing. back office and as Country Retail Risk Head of Banco Santander in Chile and Argentina, he has managed portfolios of more than 3 million clients.
In this interview he responds in a personal capacity. He would not like them to be interpreted, in any case, as positions of the institution in which he works.
What is the relationship between economics and the mission of the Church?
-The relationship between the Church's mission and the economy is complex and diverse. The Church stresses the importance of social justice and economic equity in the world. Historically, the Church has defended the idea that the economy should serve the common good, including the poorest and most vulnerable. Several papal encyclicals address the economy from various aspects, emphasizing concepts such as integral development as a priority economic goal.
You have a lot of resources in "Caritas in Veritate"Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical addresses with realism and hope the problems created by the financial crisis, by the lack of international institutions capable of reforming the bureaucratic inefficiency that prolongs the underdevelopment of many peoples and by the lack of ethics of many mentalities that predominate in affluent societies.
In synthesis, we can affirm that the relationship between the Church and the economy aims at balancing spiritual values and economic objectives in order to work together for the benefit of society as a whole.
Why do transparency and good governance generate trust?
-Trust is one of the foundations of sustainability. Building trust is a daily and permanent task. Management tools must be based on transparency and adequate and efficient controls.
What is your mission as head of the administration and finance department of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM)?
-The main task is the custody of the institution's assets through the execution of transparent and efficient financial policies that are compatible with Christian principles.
Secondly, to provide adequate conditions for pastoral, social and educational projects to have an agile execution framework that guarantees that the allocated funds are efficiently allocated to the proposed objectives.
It is also important to provide conditions for activities with the capacity to generate recurrent resources to contribute these resources to cover the structural costs of an institution of these characteristics.
What is the biggest obstacle, from the point of view of resources, for the Church?
-I believe that a major obstacle is the definition of priorities. In a world with growing needs, and with limited resources, that definition is crucial.
A second obstacle is to make the mission sustainable over time. In this sense, the search for funding for priority projects should be a permanent activity.
What most helps the faithful to be stewards?
-Feeling as protagonists of the changes that are generated with their participation. Opening activities and projects to broad participation guarantees commitments and strengthens the capacity for action and achievement of results.
Who are the faithful most generous with their time, talents and money?
-In line with what was answered in the previous question, they are those who deeply feel that they are making a change with their activity. The closer they are to the actions, the greater the commitment and generosity with which they approach their mission.
It is remarkable the maintenance over time of the contribution to the Church by a wide network of collaborators, from all social and cultural backgrounds. This implies the maintenance of trust in the institution over time.
How can the Church best support its priests? What can each of us do in our communities?
-It is difficult for me, as a layperson, to make a reflection on this subject, although I would like to suggest a reinforcement in the formation in matters related to the daily management of their spheres of action. The handling of basic concepts of financial administration, regulations, and structured programs of incorporation into the communities where they participate would strengthen confidence and provide tools to fulfill their mission.
In synthesis, to develop transparent mechanisms of support in the diverse realities in which they exercise their vocation, and to favor the integration of priests in the communities to which they are assigned.
What excites you for this assignment given to you by CELAM?
Modernize resource-generating activities, such as training, publishing and the retreat house, in order to achieve recurrence and sustainability. This will allow the patrimonial resources to be fully dedicated to pastoral and social projects.
To what extent is the Church prepared for the future?
-The Church has always faced and overcome challenges throughout its history, and its ability to adapt and evolve has been fundamental to its continuity and growth.
In this regard, the Catholic Church has been aware of the need to adapt to the changes of the modern world and has taken steps to do so. For example, Pope Francis has advocated for a renewal of the Church that includes promoting the values of social justice, inclusion and compassion. In addition, the Church has explored new forms of communication and evangelization, using digital media to reach a wider and more diverse audience.
How is the Church different from a company?
-They are entities with different objectives and purposes. Both institutions have an organizational structure, although the way they operate and focus on their objectives is different.
The Church is a religious institution whose main objective is to spread and promote faith, foster spirituality, provide moral guidance, and offer social assistance to the needy. A company, on the other hand, has as its main objective to generate profits and maximize its economic benefits for its shareholders and/or owners.
Secondly, the Church is financed mainly through donations and offerings from its parishioners, while a company obtains its resources mainly from the sale of its products and services.
Finally, the Church structure is based on ordained religious leaders, while a company is led by a management team that pursues corporate objectives and shareholder interests.
Professor of Canon Property Law, University of Navarra, Spain
