by Nilda Ferrari

Studies indicate that by 2010, 58 annual conferences of The United Methodist Church will each have 100,000 Hispanic/Latino members, and 16 additional annual conferences will have more than 500,000 Hispanic/Latino people in their midst.

Our denomination has historically served Hispanic/Latino people, through ministries in the Río Grande Conference and the Methodist Church in Puerto Rico, as well as in New York, Florida, Illinois, and California, among others. Clearly, with the Hispanic/Latino presence growing throughout the country and the church, we are called to do more.

In April 2004, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved the continuation of the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, which seeks to reach Hispanic/Latino people for Christ's church and to promote, revive, and strengthen Hispanic/Latino ministry.

The plan's vision is one where, as on the first Pentecost, all can hear the mighty Word of God in their own tongue. It is a vision where people come from other parts of the world and become part of our world, and we, in turn, become part of theirs.

Hispanic/Latinos are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States of America today, principally through birthrate, but also through immigration. It is estimated, however, that 45% of Hispanic/Latino people in the USA do not belong to any church. A new reality is being born in our generation, as the Lord of history brings together people of various cultures and traditions.

The opportunities for ministry are many and diverse and we can all be a part of it. It is within this larger context that The United Methodist Church must look as its Hispanic/Latino ministries. Such ministries are not just an attempt to serve Hispanic/Latino people; they are also and above all a call to faithfulness on the part of the entire church.

The hope that we may become one in the Lord leads us to accept the challenge to grow together in Christ. We must let the flame of the Spirit of Pentecost lead us to understand that together we worship one God, each in our tongue, yet together in the unity of love.

Adapted from the video, The Pentecost Spirit, National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. Available through the audiovisual library at each annual conference.

Nilda Ferrari is Director of the Multilingual Resource Services of the General Board of Global Ministries.

	See Also... Topic: Christian love |  Communities |  GBGM programs |  Race |  United Methodist Church |  Methodism |  Geographic Region: World |  Source: GBGM Administration
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Date posted: May 13, 2005