MARCHA’S REQUEST TO WESTERN JURISDICTION REGARDING BISHOP CARCAÑO

March 11, 2022 – MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino American) represents a critical voice for the Hispanic/Latino community within The United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico. For over 50 years, MARCHA have advocated for justice inside and outside the church, and this work has been possible through the vital and visionary leadership across the connection.

One of those leaders is Bishop Minerva Carcaño. MARCHA’s leadership highly respects Bishop Carcaño for her unwavering commitment to social justice within the church and in our global society. We applaud her prophetic voice in favor of marginalized communities, immigrants, and refugees, as well as the many contributions she has made to our denomination and ecumenical organizations through the different positions she has effectively led through with integrity.

On March 9, 2022, the Western Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy and the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops announced that Bishop Carcaño has been placed on leave from her episcopal responsibilities.

In light of this announcement,

  • MARCHA reaffirms Bishop Minerva Carcaño’ s leadership and her many contributions to the Church and our global society.
  • MARCHA calls upon the Western Jurisdiction to ensure that all proceedings follow a fair process for all parties involved. MARCHA request that a transparent and thorough process be conducted that will lead toward a just resolution.
  • MARCHA calls our Church to surround in prayer all parties involved.

MARCHA intends to closely monitor the progress of this process as we walk alongside justice.  

Contact Person:          Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez / MARCHA, President

lyssetteperez@yahoo.com | 973.405.8851  

Call to Action: Support for Dreamers & DACA

MARCHA supports and join the Immigration Task Force of the United Methodist Church in their Call to Action regarding President Trump’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides undocumented immigrants young employment authorization, which allows them to obtain a social security card, work and go to school. Rooted in our Hope, we will continue to work for a comprehensive immigration reform that provides a fair path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants and keep families together.

A Call to Action to The United Methodist Churches in the U.S.

September 5, 2017

We have learned that President Trump is considering rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which presently provides undocumented immigrant young people employment authorization.  Under DACA young people are able to obtain social security cards, work and go to school.

Since DACA’s inception in June 2012, almost 800,000 young people have received its benefits.  Many other young people who qualified for DACA did not come forth for a number of reasons.  Some did not trust that they would be safe if they came forward to request DACA, fearing deportation.  Others did not have the funds to pay for the fees or the legal help they needed to apply.  Some simply did not have the support systems to help them take the steps to apply for DACA.

DACA recipients have been able to work and support themselves and their families.  Economic studies have clearly shown that they have significantly contributed to the economy of the country. They have been able to go to school and prepare for their future, futures that have the potential of strengthening the well-being of the many communities where they live.   As DACA young people will share, they received hope and the opportunity to be useful and productive. [Read more…]

MARCHA 2017 – Enraizados en nuestra Esperanza (resumen)

8/15/2017, Dallas TX – Durante los días del 10 al 13 de agosto de 2017, tuvo lugar la 46ta. Asamblea Anual de MARCHA, el caucus oficial Hispano/Latinxs en la Iglesia Metodista Unida y la Iglesia Metodista (IMU) de Puerto Rico. El evento, el cual se llevó a cabo en el Hotel Magnolia Dallas en colaboración con la Escuela de Teología de Perkins/SMU y otros patrocinadores, celebró el 25to. Aniversario del Plan Nacional para Ministerios Hispano/Latinos de la Iglesia Metodista Unida (NPHLM), producto del trabajo de abogacía de MARCHA.

La actividad, a la cual asistieron 325+ personas provenientes de 38 conferencia y todas las jurisdicciones de la IMU, PR y CIEMAL, y en la que participaron, líderes conferenciales, pastores/as, laicos/as, superintendentes, directores de ministerios conexionales y 10 obispos/as, se desarrolló bajo el tema “Enrraizados en nuestra Esperanza / Rooted in our Hope”. El tema, sirvió como plataforma para reflexionar en los logros, realidades, retos y oportunidades del pueblo Hispano/Latino en la iglesia y sociedad.  [Read more…]

MARCHA urge al Concilio de Obispos y Agencias de la IMU a brindar apoyo a comunidades minoritarias

Recientemente, el Consejo Directivo de MARCHA se dirigió al Concilio de Obispos de la Iglesia Metodista Unida y los Secretarios/as Generales de las principales agencias de nuestra denominación para urgirles a proveer liderato ante el ambiente hostil que se ha desatado en contra de las comunidades minoritarias y étnicas durante y después del proceso eleccionario en los EEUU.

En su comunicación, MARCHA invitó a los obispos a apoyar el ministerio de “santuarios” en las iglesias locales de sus respectivas áreas episcopales. Además, pidió a los secretarios generales de las agencias metodistas unidas a coordinar sus esfuerzos para producir recursos prácticos que empoderen a las iglesias locales que están y desean hacer ministerio con estas comunidades. MARCHA está comprometida a caminar con el pueblo como un agente catalítico de justicia, paz y equidad.

Puede leer las cartas a continuación:

–          Carta de MARCHA a concilio de obispo – movimiento santuario.

–          Carta de MARCHA a secretarios generales IMU

Jesús el Inmigrante: Dios con nosotros/as

Por Rev. Héctor A. Burgos – En la medida que nos vamos adentrando en los últimos meses del año, mucha gente comienza a planificar cómo celebrarán las fiestas navideñas. Algunos se preguntan dónde pasarán la Noche Buena y el día de Navidad. Otros cómo van a decorar sus casas o qué regalos comprarán. Durante este mismo tiempo, los cristianos alrededor del mundo nos preparamos para celebrar el nacimiento de Jesús, el Mesías. La época de Adviento, que significa “llegada” y precede a la Navidad y la Epifanía, nos provee de una oportunidad muy especial para renovarnos y prepararnos para recibir al Cristo y celebrar su presencia en nuestro medio.

La mayoría estamos bastante familiarizados con los acontecimientos que la Biblia menciona sobre el nacimiento de Jesús. Conocemos las profecías sobre su nacimiento, el anuncio del ángel a María y a José, el censo, el pesebre, los pastores, el niño envuelto en un pesebre y la visita de los Sabios de Oriente. Estos son todos eventos importantes y conocidos en la tradición cristiana.

Sin embargo, el Evangelio según Mateo nos relata un momento en la vida de Jesús que pocas veces escuchamos en nuestras iglesias durante la Navidad, a pesar de que dicho relato es sumamente pertinente para el pueblo cristiano de hoy.

Mateo 2:13-18 nos relata que, luego del nacimiento de Jesús, el rey Herodes propuso en su corazón matar al niño. Pero Dios, en su deseo de protegerlo, mandó a un ángel para que le dijera a José que huyera junto a su familia para evitar la furia del rey. Luego de escuchar la advertencia del ángel, José “se levantó cuando todavía era de noche, tomó al niño y a su madre, y partió hacia Egipto” (2:14, NVI) [Read more…]

MARCHA YOUTH- Statement on Post Election Hate Environment

resource-a91966a7-1578-41fe-884d-9e0e8764f624-jpg-w480Beloved United Methodist Church, Council of Bishops and Agencies:

Today as the Youth Council of M.A.R.C.H.A, we write these words while our bodies are threatened yet again by those who follow the less-than Christian ideals of building walls rather than bridges.

Today for some, the veil of racism, xenophobia, homophobia and misogyny has been lifted exposing “Trump’s America”. However, for us, as people of color in United States “home and homeland have not been safe places – our bodies are constantly targeted, trespassed, and violated. Poor women and young Black and Latino men have never been safe in this country – a country that internally colonizes people of color, enforces women’s domestication through violence, and continues the slow genocide of Native Americans”.1

The reality that we live in is no surprise for us (Latinx Youth). In fact, knowing the existing reality of our country was what compelled us to present the resolution “Open Table at the Intersection”, this past August 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.2 Nevertheless, our hearts hurt and we are disappointed that our United Methodist Church and its Council of Bishops remains silent in the face of the growing wave of violence against people of color, women, undocumented persons, Muslims, immigrants and the LGBTIQ community. In the face of the growing wave of vandalism to Latinxs and African-American churches, our leaders have remained silent. President of the Council of Bishop Bruce Ough sent a letter to congratulate the President-elect and to offer prayers without acknowledging that the homophobic, racist, xenophobic and misogynistic speech of Mr. Trump has given rise to a growing wave of active violence against our people. “Racialized language leads to racial profiling, which leads to targeting dark-skinned, Middle Eastern-looking, and other people of color earmarked as potential terrorist.”3 We feel ignored and abandoned by the leadership of our church.

READ FULL STATEMENT, PDF Format

EDITOR’S NOTE: This open letter expresses the concerns of MARCHA’s Youth Council. Subsequently, MARCHA’s Board of Directors will publish a statement on this issue. More info soon.

 

GBGM Global Migration Young Adult Fellowship – apply today

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Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is strengthening its mission work in Central America and Mexico, which together constitute a major global migration corridor flowing northward toward the United States of America and Canada. The causes of this migration are varied, but our focus is on the safety and protection of the human rights of the migrants within it. Our mission is to accompany Methodist and ecumenical partners, grassroots organiza-tions, and regional organizations, that share our vision, mission, and values.

GLOBAL MISSION FELLOWS

One of our strategies is to partner with Global Mission Fellows (GMFs), a 2-year Global Ministries program for persons ages 20 to 30, who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience and a desire to explore God’s call to mission. The program has a strong foundation in social justice.

GMFs are placed all over the world, include-ing with our allies in the migration corridor, by matching their gifts and interests to the needs of local placement sites.

NOW SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2017-2019 CLASS

Click here to see the entire flyer in PDF format.

 

ACLAMEN: Becas para Clergy Women Convocation, TX

8/12/2016 – A todas las cleras, estudiantes, diaconas y seminaristas que estaran asistiendo a evento de las Cleras en Houston, Texas, (Clergy Women Convocation) del 29-31 de agosto, y desean recibir beca de ACLAMEN, favor de asegurarse de pagar primero su cuota comunicandose con la Pastora Brunilda Martinez a su correro electronico: bruny5@hotmal.com.  Si desea mas informacion comuniquese con Luky Cotto al 215-470-2229 o escribiendole a lucreciacotto3@gmailcom.

Esperamos verles en Houston.

MARCHA 2016 – Resumen e Informes

MARCHA 2016 - Recap

FEATURED: Cien (100) Fotos de MARCHA 2016 – Cortesía de Comunicaciones IMU.

Durante los días de 4 al 7 de Agosto de 2016, tuvo lugar la 45ta. Asamblea de MARCHA en la Isla del Encanto, Puerto Rico. El evento, al cual asistieron sobre 200+ personas, se desarrolló alrededor del tema Abrazando Nuevos Horizontes. Tanto las presentaciones, como los mensajes en los cultos y devocionales y talleres, promovieron una reflexión en comunidad sobre la necesidad de discernir el futuro al cual Dios nos llama y nuestro deseo de buscar nuevas formas de ministerio en la formación de los discípulos Hispano-Latinos comprometidos con aquel a quien toda potestad ha sido dada en el cielo y en la tierra, nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Además de todas las actividades en la agenda, los participantes también tuvieron tiempo para visitar las hermosas playas de Isla Verde y el bosque tropical El Yunque, degustar lo mejor de la comida puertorriqueña, así como visitar el histórico Viejo San Juan, y conocer más sobre los ministerio de la IMPR en el Caño Martín Peña. Nuestra gratitud a la Dra. Doris García por aceptar ser nuestra oradora principal quien nos retó a un compromiso más profundo con nuestro ministerio [Read more…]

MARCHA 2016: Call to Action, Open Table at the Intersection

As the youth of M.A.R.C.H.A., we understand our call and responsibility to do good, to do no harm and build the Beloved Community[1].  Amidst our theological differences, we call M.A.R.C.H.A. 2016 to start conversations and to take actions against systemic oppression; and acknowledge the intersectionality in which we live and struggle daily. [Read more…]

MARCHA 2016: Call to Action, Mobilizing for Voting in the 2016 US Elections

MARCHA (Methodist Associated to Represent the Cause of Hispanic Americans) acknowledges our call and responsibility to do good, do no harm and to stay in love with God.  Amidst our theological/political differences, we hold to these Methodist principles and denounce, condemn and take action against anti-immigrant, anti-Mexican, anti-Hispanic/Latino/a rhetoric. In the present political climate, some candidates have based their presidential/political campaigns on fear by criminalizing and dehumanizing documented and undocumented persons. The hateful ideology proclaimed by these persons seeks to silence the voices and invalidate the humanity of those that are at the social/political/economic margins. [Read more…]

MARCHA Statement on the Orlando Massacre

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6/13/2016  – It is with great sadness that we received the news of the dozens of people killed and wounded in Orlando Florida this past weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of those whose lives were taken and those who were wounded and maimed. We grieve with those who lost loved ones. We pray for healing, we pray for strength, we pray for comfort to all those who are suffering as consequence of this heinous act of violence.

We are shocked and horrified at the behavior of this young man who showed such wanton disregard for the sanctity of human life. The fact that he selected a place where the gay community congregate raises serous questions and concerns for the safety of our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community across the nation. The fact that most of the victims were Hispanic/Latino leads us to serious self-reflection at the perceptions and prejudices in the Latino community toward the gay community.

MARCHA condemns all acts of discrimination, hate, or violence, either in words or actions, against any person or group of persons because of their race, culture, beliefs, or sexual orientation; acts that deny the image of God with whom all human beings are created. As Christians we commit ourselves to proclaim the Good News of the gospel: that Jesus came so that ALL persons experience life in its fullness.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

For more information, contact Bishop Elias Galvan, executive director of MARCHA (galvan222@msn.com)

GBCS Internship: Ethnic Young Adults

Ethnic Young Adults can apply now for a summer in DC!

Ethnic Young Adults begin their 2016 season of making a difference in Washington D.C. in just four months and that means the time to apply is NOW!Each year General Board of Church and Society interns come to the nation’s capitol to gain valuable advocacy experience, increase their leadership skills, and above all, develop and strengthen the connection between being servant of God and serving community.The GBCS offers two internship opportunities each year – three 10 to 12 week sessions in fall, Winter/Spring and Summer (which is a full time program)
THE EYA application deadline is March 15.

Those who may apply are young adult persons of color who are members of the United Methodist Church and are sophomore, junior or senior at time of application.

For more details visit: http://umc-gbcs.org/eya-internship

MARCHA Statement on Recent and Ongoing ICE Raids

central-america-child-migrants.png1/20/2016 – MARCHA, the official Hispanic Latino caucus in the United Methodist Church, protests the cruel and unjust raids that are being carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency that are targeting, mostly, children and women who arrived in the US fearing for their lives due to the extreme violence that has become endemic in the Central American nations. Raids, held many times, in the middle of the night that not only terrorize children and families that are already traumatized, but also separates families and places those being deported in an incredible danger as they are returned to the horrific situations that they left.

As Christians who are commanded by our scriptures to “love justice and practice kindness” (Micah 6:8) and to protect the estranger in our midst (Exodus 22:21), we cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice and call on President Obama to immediately stop these deportation raids. We also call on all our United Methodist sisters and brothers and all people of faith to join us in opposing these unjust and dangerous actions carried out by ICE.

For more information contact Bishop Elias Galvan, Executive Director at galvan222@msn.com

MARCHA Youth 2015 – Offers Workshop on “Social Holiness”

hispanic-millenials-healthcareAs part of the 2015 Assembly MARCHA is offering a leadership development workshop specifically designed for youth attending the Annual Meeting. The goal of the workshop is to help youth develop skills and knowledge to make them more effective in their own ministry in their local churches and in their communities. The 2015 workshop follows the general theme of Social Holiness as Spiritual Discipline and connect with MARCHA’s role of advocacy on behalf of El Pueblo Hispano/Latino. All the youth are welcome to attend. The workshop will take place from Wednesday August 12 at 9am, to Thursday August 13 at 10:30am. [Read more…]

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