Through our programming, the HSP seeks to heal the divisions in the Latinx community fueled by theological differences by cultivating spaces that are ecumenical and interreligious. As a Latinx program, the HSP seeks to build bridges between Latinx and non-Latinx communities by enhancing the appreciation that non-Latinx scholars, clergy, and administrators have of Latinx contributions to the nation’s past, present, and future. Core to our mission is mentoring Latinx leaders—especially Latinas and other minoritized members of the community—and preparing them for justice work in religious, educational, and other social institutions.
Mission
The Hispanic Scholars Program seeks to heal divisions in the Latinx community, build bridges with non-Latinxs, and mentor and empower the next generation of Latinx leaders.
What the Hispanic Scholars Program set out to achieve from its inception as the “Hispanic Summer Program” in 1989 was to supplement and enrich the theological and ministerial education being offered in seminaries and universities with academic courses and other programs directly addressing Latinx history, ministry and theology. As an ecumenical and inter-religious program, it seeks to heal the divisions in the Latinx community fueled by denominational and theological differences. As a Latinx program, the HSP tries to find ways to restore connections and build bridges between Latinx and non-Latinx communities, among others, by enhancing the awareness and appreciation that non-Latinx scholars, ministers, and administrators have of Latinx contributions to the past, present, and future of our religious institutions and our nation.
Accordingly, the HSP strives to achieve these objectives:
To promote ecumenical and inter-religious understanding and collaboration among current and future Latinx leaders of different denominational, theological, and faith traditions – as well as between Latinx and non-Latinx students, faculty, ministers, and administrators in religious institutions, churches, and in academia.
To create Latinx-centered educational experiences in theology and religion primarily, but by no means exclusively, for Latinx students from seminaries, universities, and other programs of higher education where there is a dearth of Latinx faculty.
To influence the system of theological education in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, so that it finds new ways of both benefiting from, and responding to, the opportunities offered by the burgeoning Latinx community, by its scholars, ministers, and leaders.
To create spaces for the theological and ministerial education of Latinx women in particular, and of minority students in general.
