Episcopal Church Woos Latinos To Congregations: Can We Learn To Say Benvenidos a Todos á San Nicolas

On NPR this morning, there was a story about the Episcopal Church welcoming more and more Latinos, especially in the Western US.

Recently, the church was contacted by someone inquiring about Spanish-language services and catechism for children. As a small congregation, we don’t currently offer this; but if there is a need, we could offer at least an occasional service in Spanish. Is there local interest in Spanish services? Do we have energy and commitment to do it, and do it well?

Some resources:
The Spanish Lectionary Pag
Christian Formation Resources In Spanish for Episcopal Congregations
Episcopal Diocese of Texas: Spanish Language Materials

Latinos are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, but only 5 percent of all Hispanics attend a mainline Protestant church. The vast majority are Roman Catholic.

For the Episcopal Church, those numbers are an opportunity.The denomination is seeing fast-growing pockets of new Latino congregants. Episcopal churches in Nevada and Washington, D.C., are seeing considerably higher attendance from Latinos. In Oregon, there were only 150 Latino Episcopalians 20 years ago. Now, there are more than 800.

The Rev. Roberto Arciniega, head of Latino ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, says the denomination must reach out to Latinos to stay relevant in a multicultural society.

A denominationwide outreach plan notes that Hispanics represent a huge growth potential. The plan outlines strategies to reach Latinos, including focusing efforts on first- and second-generation women, whom the church calls "gatekeepers."Roberto Arciniega, head of Latino ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, says the outreach is about staying vital and relevant in a multicultural society, and it signals a shift in how his church views Latinos. Arciniega says Latino outreach is about inviting people to stay and be a part of the congregation.

via Episcopal Church Woos Latinos To Congregations : NPR


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