In a significant move toward recognizing and embracing the diversity of cultures within the Diocese of Central Florida, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Holcomb, bishop, has announced the renaming of the diocesan Hispanic Commission to the Latino Ministries Commission. This shift reflects a broad vision of cultural representation, moving beyond linguistic boundaries to embrace the diverse peoples within the diocese. The commission’s new name also more closely aligns with the Latino/Hispanic Ministries of the national church.

The Latino Ministries Commission will be co-chaired by the Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez, rector of Christ the King and vicar of Jesús de Nazaret, Orlando; the Rev. Maytee de la Torre, associate rector/assistant vicar of the same parishes; and the Rev. Soner Alexandre, associate priest at Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden.

The decision to rename the commission came after careful consideration of Central Florida’s ever-changing demographic landscape and evolving cultural dynamics. As Holcomb noted during a recent diocesan board meeting, the term “Hispanic” has limitations, which de la Torre explained.

“The term ‘Hispanic’ is based on the language, heritage, traditions, music, art and food of Spain,” she said. “On the other hand, the term ‘Latino’ includes peoples of Latin American origin – countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, among others. Unlike Hispanics, Latinos can speak Spanish, Portuguese, French and other languages.”

De la Torre is thrilled with the name change. “It excites me to know that in this nomenclature, other peoples and ethnic groups are present and recognized,” she said. “My hope is by including Latinos, many of whom are already in Anglo congregations and others who are constantly arriving, we will give them a place, a name, a recognition of their roots and their language.”

Rodríguez echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the shift to the Latino Ministries Commission aligns with The Episcopal Church’s broader framework and mission. “It’s about embracing our diversity and recognizing the cultural richness that each community brings,” he said.

The numbers themselves prove the cultural richness. One out of every 10 Latinos in the United States lives in Florida, which is home to 2.2 million Latina women and 2 million Latino men. Over 29% of the I-4 Corridor is Latino. The Orlando metropolitan area has a higher population of Haitians than any other metropolitan area in the state. The Puerto Rican population is the second-highest Latino group in Florida. More than half of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States live in Florida, with Orange County being the third-highest county concentration.

(L) The Rev. Maytee de la Torre, new Latino Ministries Commission co-chair, presents the stole she made for the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry at Nuevo Amanecer, and (R) the presiding bishop wearing the stole at the conference. | Photos: Courtesy of (L) Irais Murphy and (R) Episcopal News Service

These numbers give a backdrop to the warm welcome the Central Florida Latino Ministries Commission received at the June 2024 Nuevo Amanecer (“New Dawn”) conference at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where leaders gathered to discuss strategies for enhancing Latino ministries in The Episcopal Church. Commission representatives included de la Torre, Mr. Henry Mendoza, Mrs. Irais Murphy and Rodríguez.

De la Torre described the time together as “an experience of gratitude for the joy of meeting brothers and sisters on the journey of faith.” She emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse cultures within the church, noting how such gatherings strengthen the communal bond and commitment to the gospel mission.

She also played a key role in the celebration of cultures. As Nuevo Amanecer began, she had the opportunity to present the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop, with a handmade stole, which he wore when he preached at the opening worship service for the conference.

Rodríguez was thrilled that Holcomb encouraged their presence at this denominational event. He said he and the others learned a great deal about best practices for Latino ministries as well as discussing theological nuances and cultural stumbling blocks that could be encountered in ministry to and among immigrant populations. The Central Florida representatives felt energized by the conference as they continue to look ahead to the future of Latino ministries in our diocese, celebrating cultural differences and the way the gospel offers hope for each woman, man and child of God.

Alexandre sees deep biblical and theological themes in the expanded focus of the commission, explaining that it echoes the early apostolic spirit of communal unity and shared faith as outlined in Acts 2:42-47. “Now we can put together our stories, cultures, faith traditions and vision,” he said. “This kind of unity has the strength to empower our diocese.”