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Spanning the Divide: Latinos in Theological Education

Ted Simmons

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Spanning the Divide: Latinos/as in Theological Education

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Latinos are a rapidly growing population in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Latinos in the U.S. has increased by 60% since 2000, and they are now the largest minority group in the country. This growth is expected to continue in the coming years, and by 2060, Latinos will make up nearly one-third of the U.S. population.

Despite their growing numbers, Latinos are underrepresented in theological education. According to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS),only 10% of theological students in the United States are Latino. This underrepresentation is a problem for several reasons.

First, it means that the church is not adequately preparing to serve the growing Latino population.
Second, it means that Latino voices are not being heard in theological discourse.
Third, it sends a message to Latino communities that they are not welcome in the church.

Reasons for Underrepresentation

There are several reasons for the underrepresentation of Latinos in theological education.

Lack of awareness. Many Latinos are not aware of the opportunities available to them in theological education. They may not know that there are scholarships available to help them pay for school, or they may not know that there are theological schools that are welcoming to Latinos.
Cultural barriers. Some Latinos may feel that theological education is not a good fit for their culture. They may believe that the church is not a place for them, or they may feel that they are not welcome in the theological academy.
Economic barriers. Theological education can be expensive, and many Latinos cannot afford to pay for it. This is especially true for undocumented Latinos, who are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Ways to Increase Latino Enrollment

There are several ways to increase Latino enrollment in theological schools.

Outreach. Theological schools need to do more to reach out to Latino communities. They can do this by partnering with Latino churches, organizations, and schools. They can also offer scholarships and other financial aid to Latino students.
Mentoring. Latino students need mentors who can help them navigate the challenges of theological education. These mentors can provide academic guidance, spiritual support, and cultural understanding.
Curriculum. Theological schools need to offer curricula that are relevant to the Latino experience. This includes courses on Latino theology, history, and culture. It also means providing opportunities for Latino students to engage in practical ministry in Latino communities.
Inclusion. Theological schools need to create an inclusive environment where Latino students feel welcome and respected. This means having a diverse faculty and staff, offering Spanish-language services, and celebrating Latino culture.

Increasing Latino enrollment in theological schools is an important step towards creating a more just and equitable church. By addressing the reasons for underrepresentation and implementing the strategies outlined above, theological schools can help to ensure that the church is prepared to serve the growing Latino population and that Latino voices are heard in theological discourse.

References

Pew Research Center. (2015). The Hispanic Population: A Demographic Profile. Retrieved from
Association of Theological Schools. (2019). Annual Statistical Report. Retrieved from

Spanning the Divide: Latinos/as in Theological Education

by Rough Guides

4 out of 5