National Hispanic Latino Presbyterian Caucus reaffirms its commitment to advocacy and mission

After meeting earlier this month at First Presbyterian Church in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, the Coordinating Council of the National Hispanic Latino Presbyterian Caucus has reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy and mission by addressing key issues affecting Latin America and Hispanic Latino communities within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Image

The meeting concluded with an open letter to the Interim Unified Agency that expressed “profound discontent and sadness” over “the significant reduction in mission co-worker positions” in Latin America. “This decision reflects the Council’s dedication to preserving the essential mission-driven work in the region,” the Council said.

Leaders from synods nationwide participated in the gathering held March 12-15, including representatives from the Synod of the Sun,  Synod of the Pacific, Synod of the Northeast , Synod of  the Mid-Atlantic, Synod of South Atlantic, Synod of Boriquén, Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Synod of the  Southwest, as well as  the Presbyterian Hispanic Latina Women's organization.

Highlights included:

• A presentation of the book “Baptism in Chilaquil: Celebration of Equality and Diversity Here and Now,” by Eliseo Perez Alvarez, Professor at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico
• A visit to the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico and lectures on challenges facing the church by the Rev. Dr. Gamaliel Ortiz-Guardiola
• Workshops on immigration issues and advocacy led by Amanda Craft, the IUA’s Manager of Immigration Advocacy; Maritza Rojas, Department of Justice-accredited representative; and Beatrice Martins from New Hope Immigration Services in Orlando,  Florida, offering guidance to churches on accompanying immigrants during difficult times
• Discussions with the PC(USA)’s Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment regarding collaborative mission commitments and mutual support
• A talk on the IUA’s unification process by Ruling Elder Flor Vélez Díaz, the IUA’s Manager for Judicial Process
• A meeting with leader of the Synod of Boriquen and  the presbyteries of San Juan, Noroeste and Suroeste.

The Council set what it calls “ambitious” goals for the next two years, focusing on a re-imagining process, theological education and pastoral training for Hispanic Latina congregations, the addressing of historical harms of colonialism and exclusion, and the implementation of restorative justice initiatives. Those initiatives include efforts to study inequities in pastoral compensation in Puerto Rico and a collaboration with the PC(USA)’s Racial Equity Advocacy Committee on strategies for repair and inclusion.

The National Hispanic Latino Presbyterian Caucus remains steadfast in its mission to uplift Hispanic Latino communities, advocate for justice, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the church and beyond.