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Apuntes: Reflexiones teológicas desde el margen hispano

Abstract

This article offers a pastoral-theological analysis of the near absence of intentional ministry with the growing Latino community within the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Drawing on demographic data, denominational documents and the author’s 23 years of experience in Arkansas—first as a Roman Catholic layperson and now as the only Latina United Methodist pastor in the state—the essay situates Latino families’ profound spiritual hunger within a context marked by economic, spiritual and sexual abuse in some independent and evangelical churches. It contrasts this vulnerability with the structural responses of the Catholic Church in Arkansas (such as Spanish-language liturgies and cultural formation of clergy), and highlights the lack of a comparable, structured strategy in the UMC, despite its stated mission and commitments to inclusion. The article proposes a concrete, budgeted model for a Latino ministry in Little Rock and reflects on how existing service-oriented missions (food pantries, ESL classes) could become bridges to full ecclesial inclusion rather than remaining purely secular outreach. Framed by Scripture and Wesleyan practical theology, it argues that authentic obedience to the command to “love your neighbor” requires not only goodwill but an intentional, resourced plan to welcome, disciple and empower Latino neighbors as full participants in the life and leadership of the church.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

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