The LMU Latino/a/x Theology and Ministry Initiative, a joint project of LMU’s Department of Theological Studies and Center for Religion and Spirituality, will host a public and livestreamed presentation on the “Latinas and the Future of the Catholic Church” on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in University Hall, Room 1857. The presentation will address the results from a survey taken in April 2022, which were submitted to the 2023 Synod of the Catholic Church.
Bob Hurteau, director of the Center for Religion and Spirituality, said 140 Latino/a/x LMU community members or allies responded to the survey that asked three primary questions: What was their experience in the Catholic Church? How do they view their place in the Church? What would they like to see in the future of the Church?
Cecilia González-Andrieu, professor of theological studies, will be on the panel and addressing the results of the survey. There were several standout themes in the responses. “First, how central experiences of Church are in the life of Latinas and how profoundly they can shape the way they feel either welcomed or rejected, with consequences for the way they approach life,” said González-Andrieu. “Second, how uneven such experiences were, with some people highlighting the welcome, respect and nurturing that helped them grow and thrive and others having quite the opposite experiences and carrying deep wounds of rejection, racism and sexism, which continue to be obstacles to their flourishing.”
Hurteau believes Church parishes across the nation, but especially in Southern California, heavily rely on Latinas to carry out many activities that take place in local parishes. “Yet, often these women are not recognized for their contributions,” he said. “That is one of the main reasons the LMU Latino/a/x Theology and Ministry Initiative selected this topic for the spring 2022 survey.”
In addition to González-Andrieu, the panel will include: Ellie Hidalgo, the co-director of Discerning Deacons; Beatriz Sandoval, a community organizer with L.A. Voice; Allan Deck, S.J., professor of theology and Latino studies; and the moderator will be Nancy Pineda-Madrid, the T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology.
They will explore the challenges, insights and questions of Latinas through the perspectives of theological reflection, ecclesial renewal and community organizing. This event will have live translations in both English and Spanish. Click here for more information and to register.
