Nov. 9, 2009 issue
Hispanics work for growth, inclusion
By Celeste Kennel-Shank Mennonite Weekly ReviewCHICAGO — Many Hispanic churches are losing members. Amid the national recession, those who are undocumented immigrants have difficulty finding jobs, and many are returning to their home countries.
Juanita Nuñez, Yvonne Díaz, Martha Corpus Hernandez and Tania Meléndez-Guzmán of Iglesia Menonita Hispana (Hispanic Mennonite Church) converse at the constituency group’s general board meeting Nov. 2 in Chicago. — Photo by Celeste Kennel-Shank/MWR
This trend is decreasing the membership of Iglesia Menonita Hispana (Hispanic Mennonite Church).
“We are losing leaders,” said Juanita Nuñez, moderator of IMH, a constituency group of Mennonite Church USA, from Ocoee, Fla. “It is affecting us financially.”
Those congregations and members who remain don’t always feel connected to IMH, or the broader denomination.
In the midst of such struggles, the IMH general board met Nov. 2-3 here to talk about strengthening connections with congregations, developing resources for them and aiding church planters, among other business.
The IMH board invited local leaders to attend a dinner and dialogue Nov. 2.
Guillermo and Lilia Espinoza spoke about their work with Iglesia Evangelica Hispana (Evangelical Hispanic Church).
Guillermo Espinoza would like to see 100 new Mennonite churches in Chicago in the next few years.
“This is possible if we work together,” Espinoza said. “We have to invest, investing money, investing in the people.”
Chuck Neufeld, conference minister of Illinois Conference, which is one-third Hispanic, came to learn about partnering with IMH.
Comments
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Wow Celeste, thanks for such an inspiring article. Please keep up the good work.
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