The Government of Cabo Verde awarded the nation’s highest state honours to three leaders of the Church of the Nazarene on July 3, 2026, recognizing their significant contributions to the country's history and development.
President José Maria Neves, through Presidential Decree No. 17/2026, presented General Superintendent Emeritus Eugénio Rosa Duarte with the Ordem do Dragoeiro (Dragon Tree), first degree. Jorge Manuel da Silva Barros and Emanuel David Simas Araújo received the Ordem do Vulcão (Volcano Medal), first degree. The decree stated, “Their legacy transcends the strictly religious sphere, also reflecting in the promotion of essential human values, such as solidarity, justice, and a sense of cultural belonging.” It further read: “Thus, recognizing the invaluable contribution they made to the contemporary history of Cape Verde, they constitute unavoidable references in the religious landscape.”
The awards elevated these individuals to Cabo Verde’s highest civic pantheon. The Ordem do Dragoeiro recognizes extraordinary merit and contributions to economic development, culture, science or technology. The Ordem do Vulcão is given for advancing national interests.
According to a translation from the presidential decree, “At the dawn of the 20th century, the arrival of the Church of the Nazarene... brought new expressions of faith and community service... With its missionary work it reinforced education, promoted solidarity and transformed communities through social and spiritual actions.”
Duarte is a native of Brava island in Cabo Verde. He was elected as general superintendent during an assembly in Orlando in 2009 after serving as minister and district superintendent locally and as director for Africa Region from 2006 until his election. He remains active post-retirement as Chancellor at Africa Nazarene University and serves as pastor at Providence Filadelfia First Church in Rhode Island.
Barros served as a minister in Praia and Mindelo with notable influence on education. Araújo pastors Praia Church of the Nazarene; he was superintendent for Cabo Verde Sul District from 1997-2025 and briefly president at Seminario Nazareno de Cabo Verde.
The decree concluded, “As General Superintendent... Reverend Pastor Eugênio Duarte stands out... holding highest position among Nazarenes worldwide,” adding that Barros and Araújo have shown dedication facing challenges both on islands and within diaspora.
