The power of Latin@ gatherings

By Anyra Cano

The Latino community can be a force to be reckoned with when we unite.

That is one reason why Fellowship Southwest is thankful to partner with the Latino Christian National Network (LCNN), and as a Latina myself, it is a personal privilege.

LCNN is an ecumenical network of Latino leaders working to provide Latino and Latina Christian leaders with a respectful space for dialogue, mutual formation, cooperation, amplifying our prophetic voice, and civic engagement for justice.

We are diverse in many ways, from our theology to our ethnicity, language, values, and countries of origin, and we are particularly different in our food. There is a beautiful mosaic richness in the Latino community. What is most beautiful is that when we gather, most times, there is great joy and a strong sense of familia.

Last week, I gathered with fellow Latinos and Latinas for the second year at a meeting with LCNN. A group of about 17 leaders met for two days to dream, discern, plan, and strategize for the future of LCNN. The group consisted of leaders from Episcopal, Catholic, Presbyterian, Church of God, Assemblies of God, Methodist, American Baptist, Cooperative Baptist, Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, non-denominational churches, and the Evangelical Covenant Church.

This group is like no other: Latin@s who come from such diverse backgrounds and commit to courageous dialogue about issues that affect our communities and finding ways to engage in public life for the benefit of all, not just those who believe or look like us.

In November, LCNN will gather again in Arlington, VA, to lead an ecumenical day of prayer for peace, particularly political peace. LCNN hopes to open it up to other siblings who are not Latinos. Once we have more information, we will let you know, and maybe you can join your Latin@ siblings to raise our voices to the God of peace.