Welcome
Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic American, met August 1-4, 2019 in Philadelphia PA.
“The Extraordinary Power of God: Tesoros en Vasos de Barro”. During this year’s gathering, we dived deeply into a time of communal reflection and strategic work on ways to leverage the extraordinary power of God as Hispanic/Latinos. We are, as “vasijas de barro”, ordinary, prone to brake, but God’s extraordinary power is present and active within us and through us. That’s why, like the Apostle Paul, even when we are afflicted in every way, we are not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck done, but not destroyed. Even in this time of crisis, as United Methodists we stand strong in God’s extraordinary power acting within us, and through us for faith, hope, justice and peace.
News Articles
Hispanic-Latino voice needed at GC2020
MARCHA Laments Violent Deaths in Texas and Ohio
Caucus hispano-latino se prepara para afrontar cambios en la iglesia
Caucus hispano-latino se prepara para enfrentar mudanças na igreja
Pastora Dorlimar Lebrón: los jóvenes no vamos a esperar a que la denominación se ponga de acuerdo
FROM CIEMAL
A las iglesias metodistas en América Latina y el Caribe
A la Sociedad Civil y Autoridades Nacionales
Videos
OPENNING WORSHIP – Preacher, Pastor Dorlimar Lebrón
SCRIPTURE: The Extraordinary Power of God, Dr. Ediberto Lopez
TRADITION: Conflict in the United Methodist Church, a historical perspective, Dr. Eliezer Valentín
EXPERIENCE: Clay Jars – reactions to Special General Conference 2019
REASON: Presentation on Future Methodism Plans
WRAP UP Video – MARCHA 2019
MARCHA Calls for a New Methodism
The following is the fruit of the work of the assembly during Marcha 2019. This values, essentials and principles will guide the work of MARCHA into the future.
WHO WE ARE
MARCHA is the National Hispanic/Latino Caucus within the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico. MARCHA’s mission is to be an instrument of advocacy and support to ensure that the contributions and cultural values of the Hispanic / Latino community are appreciated in the church and society.
OUR ESSENTIALS
Our vision for the future of Methodism is rooted in the following essentials;
- Christ-centered personal and social holiness
- Dignity and sacred value of all creation
- Diversity as a gift from God
- Racism is incompatible with Christian teachings
- Our voice must be on the table as equals
- We work for equity, not equality
- We support structures that intentionally embody our values
OUR UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUTURE OF METHODISM
Our unique
contributions to the future of Methodism include;
OUR CORE VALUES
As we engage the church and larger society to advocate on behalf of the Hispanic/Latino community, we are guided by the following common values;
- The Mission: We celebrate the richness of our Wesleyan tradition and its emphasis on God’s amazing grace. We are committed to the mission of the United Methodist Church of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by sharing the good news of the gospel through words and deeds that bring about healing and wholeness.
- Peace with Justice: We affirm the dignity and sacred worth of all persons, as created in the image of God. We stand in solidarity with the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized. And, we seek to build a community that embodies peace, justice and equity for all people.
- Unity in Diversity: We honor and respect our rich diversity as a gift from God. We celebrate the contributions and cultural values of all persons that enrich our common human experience. And, we seek, as members of the Body of Christ, to live in unity amid our diversity.
OUR MINISTRY
MARCHA works within the United Methodist Church and The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico to;
- Advocate for the Hispanic/ Latino community in and outside the church so they can reach their full God-given potential
- Affirm the dignity and respect of the Hispanic/Latino people
- Accompany the people as they organize for advocacy
- Create spaces for theological reflection on issues that impact the Hispanic/Latino community
- Promote the respect for human rights, the commitment to peace and justice, and freedom and equity in the church and society
- Solidarize with the churches and peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean
- Collaborate with other ethnic-racial and ecumenical groups in our common pursue of peace with justice for all of God’s people