Through our programming, the HSP seeks to heal the divisions in the Latine/Hispanic community fueled by theological differences by cultivating spaces that are ecumenical and interreligious.
As a Latine/Hispanic program, the HSP seeks to build bridges between Latine/Hispanic and non-Latine/Hispanic communities by enhancing the appreciation that non-Latine/Hispanic scholars, clergy, and administrators have of Latine/Hispanic contributions to the nation’s past, present, and future.
Core to our mission is mentoring Latine/Hispanic leaders—especially Latinas and other underserved members of the community—and preparing them for justice work in religious, educational, and other institutions.
What the Hispanic Scholars Program set out to achieve as the Hispanic Summer Program in 1989 was to supplement the curriculum of seminaries and universities with programming addressing Latine/Hispanic community, culture and history.
As an ecumenical and interreligious program, we seek to heal divisions within the Latine/Hispanic community fueled by denominational and theological differences. We further seek to restore connections and build bridges between Latine/Hispanic and non-Latine/Hispanic communities by enhancing the awareness and appreciation non-Latine/Hispanic students, faculty, administrators, and clergy have of Latine/Hispanic contributions to education, religious institutions, and society.
Accordingly, the HSP strives to achieve these objectives:
- To promote ecumenical and interreligious understanding and collaboration among Latine/Hispanic and non-Latine/Hispanic leaders of different denominational, theological, and faith traditions–as well as between Latine/Hispanic and non-Latine/Hispanic students, faculty, administrators, and clergy.
- To create Latine/Hispanic-centered educational experiences in religious studies and theological education primarily, but in no way, shape, or form exclusively, for Latine/Hispanic students from seminaries, universities, and other programs of higher education where there is a lack of Latine/Hispanic faculty.
- To influence the system of theological education in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, so that it benefits from, and responds to, the opportunities offered by Latine/Hispanic students, faculty, administrators, and clergy.
- To create spaces for the theological education of Latine/Hispanic women in particular, and of underserved students in general.
