Hispanic-Latine Ministry

We are a universal church whose faithfulness, as theologian Justo González reminds us, is revealed in its many hues, where all the colors paint a single landscape, where all tongues sing the same praise.”

Because we believe in the Reign of God, we commit ourselves not simply to minister to Hispanic Latine communities, but to be in ministry with each other as we build, embody, and continue to grow into the Beloved Community.

Guided by this yearning, The Baltimore-Washington Conference seeks to respond faithfully by developing and supporting ministries that are contextual, collaborative, and transformational, where Hispanic Latine people are not receptors but active contributors in the life of the Church as leaders, theologians, and agents of God’s work in the world. 

We recognize the rich diversity within Hispanic-Latine communities, including first, second, third generations, and beyond, as well as the reality of mestizaje—the blending of cultures, races, ethnic identities, and histories that shape our shared life..

Our work is rooted in three interconnected commitments:

• Leadership Development
• Congregational Development
• Education and Advocacy

Although the need for this ministry continues to grow, our strategy is not one based on response to growth but on God’s movement. Hispanic Latine communities are among the fastest growing in our region and nation, and their presence calls the church to transformation, not adaptation.

According to the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic/Latine population in the United States has grown to over 65 million people and is projected to reach nearly 100 million by 2060.

Within our Episcopal Area:

• Maryland is home to approximately 700,000+ Hispanic/Latine residents (about 11% of the population), with a median age in the late 20s.
• West Virginia has approximately 35,000+ Hispanic/Latine residents, representing a smaller but steadily growing community with a notably young median age.
• Washington, D.C. includes approximately 80,000+ Hispanic/Latine residents, making up about 11–12% of the population, also with a young median age.

These communities are vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in family, culture, and faith.

This is a sacred opportunity: to become a church where all voices shape the future, where leadership reflects the people, and where diversity is not simply welcomed, but essential to who we are. Therefore, every United Methodist congregation is invited to recognize this as a vital and growing mission field—rich with opportunity for relationship, belonging, and discipleship allowing us to be transformed into a more faithful expression of the Body of Christ.