* FINAL VERSION - Concurred
Resolution:D038
Title:Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics
Topic:Mission Strategy
Committee:12 - Evangelism
House of Initial Action:Deputies
Proposer:The Rev. Altagracia Perez

D038 - Committee Text 7/11/09 07:45am

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That in the spirit of the 20/20 Vision (GC2000 Resolution A033), the 76th General Convention affirm the Executive Council's and the House of Bishop's commitment to implement The Episcopal Church's Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics in the United States for the 2010-2012 triennial and for The Episcopal Church's long-term mission; and be it further

Resolved, that the General Convention commend The Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics as a model for planning mission strategy, in light of the high priority of planting new churches and reaching new people with the good news of Jesus Christ; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries in the Episcopal Church Center be directed to distribute The Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics widely so that every lay person, bishop, priest and deacon in areas experiencing a high degree of Latino/Hispanic population growth may become familiar with its content and search out opportunities that exist for its implementation in their parishes and communities; and be it further

Resolved, That our church commit to increase the number of active and viable Latino/Hispanic Episcopal congregations from 308 to 354 (a 15% increase) in the next Triennium (2010-2012) by providing partial funding to dioceses who are willing to make financial commitments to this ministry, especially by reaching out to Latinos/Hispanics who are second and third generation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries be directed to identify 100 primarily small non-Latino/Hispanic congregations located in areas with high Latino/Hispanic populations, and provide detailed demographic reports, leadership training, training in cross-cultural awareness, and marketing and advertising resources to help these congregations grow by 30% over the next triennium by reaching out to the Latino/Hispanic community; and be it further

Resolved, That The Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries, in collaboration with the Office of Lifelong Christian Formation, create leadership development programs to serve the spiritual and acculturation needs of the Latino/Hispanic community, including a reception curriculum specifically focused on lay leaders coming from other faith traditions to help them learn about the theology, polity and stewardship of The Episcopal Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries develop and share tools and resources to support sustainable Latino/Hispanic ministry for dioceses and churches working in areas with growing Latino/Hispanic populations, including a step-by-step curriculum on how to initiate new congregations for dioceses who want to plant new churches; an intensive program for seminarians and clergy to gain language and cultural skills for ministry; and marketing tools and media resources that will be easily accessible to use in local settings; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries be directed to create a ministry team comprised of a Council of Advice and Church Center staff to give the direction for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of The Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics; and be it further

Resolved, that the Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries, in collaboration with the Office of Research and Statistics, be directed to create a set of measurement criteria to assess success; and be it further

Resolved, that the Office of Mission Funding be directed to seek funding opportunities for this initiative within its Fund for Congregational Development; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance to consider a budget allocation of $3,565,000 for the implementation of this resolution regarding Strategic Vision for the 2010-2012 triennium; and that this budget is composed of the following elements:

Funding for 46 new congregations at $40,000

each over the triennium 1,840,000

Providing resources to 100 existing congregations 1,000,000

Lay Leadership Development 200,000

Tools and Training, Marketing Resources 450,000

rdrbrdrsrdrw10rsp20 Evaluation 75,000

Total $3,565,000


EXPLANATION

The significant increase of the Latino/Hispanic Population in the United States coupled with the need desire of the Episcopal Church to increase its membership represents a Kairos moment for our church. The Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics offers a well thought through strategy for achieving the goal of becoming an inviting church for Latinos/Hispanics and for igniting the evangelistic mission of our church.
Fundamental to the identity of the Episcopal Church is its welcoming and hospitable environment. The ministries of hospitality and welcoming are integral to the Eucharist, a ministry of "Welcoming all to the Table." The openness, welcoming and reconciling nature of the Eucharist, is also a foundational identity of the Episcopal Church.
The budget for the three years of the triennium is calculated as follows:
Funding for 44-46 new congregations at $40,000 each over the triennium 1,840,000
Providing resources to 100 existing congregations 1,000,000
Lay Leadership Development 200,000
Tools & training, Marketing Resources 450,000
evaluation 75,000
Total 3,565,000


* Note: The final language, as well as the final status of each resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office. The Journal of the 76th General Convention and the Constitution and Canons will be published once the review process has been completed.