A breakthrough event co-sponsored by the General Assembly through the Office of Hispanic/Latino/na Congregational Support, the Office of Resources and Relationships with the Hispanic/Latino(na) Constituency and Princeton Theological Seminary through the Office of Multicultural Relations and the Hispanic Leadership Program entitled:

"Embracing the Latina/o Paradigm: Challenges & Opportunities for Effective Ministries in the PCUSA." This event will take place at Princeton Theological Seminary from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2009.

Christian faith is vibrant among the U.S. Hispanic immigrant population, which now numbers in the millions. Currently numbering 38 million individuals, U.S. Latinos/as are the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority group. Latinos/as are making major contributions to the country's economy and society. Hispanic membership is increasing in Christian congregations throughout the United States, posing major opportunities and challenges for the churches that serve them.

This conference will explore and acknowledge particular challenges that affect our ability to provide effective strategies in ministering to a community that remains disproportionately affected by poverty, low education levels, poor health and discrimination. What opportunities and challenges can be identified where we as a collective body can faithfully strengthen our Hispanic ministry in a multicultural and multilingual society?

Our keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, Professor of World Christianity at Columbia Theological Seminary and ordained minister with many years of parish experience. We will also conduct several panel discussions with key practitioners in the ministry field. Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9th and the cost will be $250.00 which includes meals and accommodations.
The conference will be held in English and you may register on-line by clicking here: http://ptsem.edu/ce/coursepr10hlp501.php. Please make every effort to register by October 2, 2009.

For more information on this viable conference you may visit any of the following websites:
http://ptsem.edu/ce/coursepr10hlp501.php;
https://our.ptsem.edu/ics/Campus_Life/Multicultural_Relations/Campus_Highlights.jnz

Please do not hesitate to contact the following members of the Planning Team if you have any further question(s):

Rev. Victor Aloyo, Jr.
Director of Multicultural Relations
Princeton Theological Seminary
1.800.622.6767, ext. 1943
Victor.aloyo@ptsem.edu

Rev. Gabriel Salguero
Program Director
Hispanic Leadership Program
Princeton Theological Seminary
1.800.622.6767, ext. 7994
Gabriel.salguero@ptsem.edu

Rev. Dr. Hector Rodriguez
Associate Hispanic/Latino/na Congregational Support
Racial Ethnic & Cross Cultural Ministries
General Assembly Council-Presbyterian Church (USA)
1.888.728.7228, ext. 5700
Hector.rodriguez@pcusa.org

Rev. Marissa I. Galvan-Valle
Associate for Resources and Relationships with Hispanic/Latino constituencies
General Assembly Council-Presbyterian Church (USA)
1.888.728.7228, ext.5768
Marissa.galvan-valle@pcusa.org


Respectfully,


Conference Planning Team