Hispanic/Latino Heritage Sunday Planned for October 12

Church of God congregations are encouraged to celebrate Hispanic / Latino Heritage Sunday in the Church of God on October 12, 2014. The special observance is being coordinated by Church of God Hispanic Ministries.

By Carlos S. Moran, Ed.D.

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the week of September 15 as a period of observation of the contributions of Americans whose ancestors or themselves had emigrated to the United States from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded that week to cover a thirty day period between September 15 and October 15, which we now know as Hispanic Heritage Month. The time frame was chosen to honor several Latin American countries’ independence days, which fall within this period, as well as Columbus Day.

President Barack Obama in his recent statement on Hispanic Heritage month said: “Nearly 50 years after the United States first observed what was then National Hispanic Heritage Week, Hispanics represent a vibrant and thriving part of our diverse Nation. Their histories and cultures stretch across centuries, and the contributions of those who come to our shores today in search of their dreams continue to add new chapters in our national story. This month, we honor the rich heritage of the Hispanic community and celebrate its countless achievements. Hispanics are advancing our economy, improving our communities, and bettering our country. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us renew our commitment to ensuring ours remains a society where the talents and potential of all its members can be fully realized (Presidential Proclamation — National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2014).

Although Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month is celebrated throughout the USA from September 15 to October 15 every year, the Church of God has designated the second Sunday in October as the day to affirm the contributions of Hispanics/Latinos in the USA. Sunday, October 12, 2014 consider honoring those who trace their ethnic and cultural roots to Latin America. Let us celebrate the hard working spirit of Latinos in both the private and public sectors, those that have started their own business, own start-up companies, that has strengthen and improved our communities and neighborhoods (barrios) knowing that with hard work (trabajo duro), you can build a better life for yourself and a better future for your children.

Furthermore, let us honor those Latinos/Hispanics that have admirably served with distinction and dedication in our Armed Forces, defending the values we hold dear. Latinos have transformed industries with new ideas and have led and inspired movements that have made our Nation more equal and more just. Specifically, in the Church of God, Latinos continue to be committed to family values, marriage between one man and one woman, affirming the image of God in every human being from the womb to the tomb, reading of Scripture (La Palabra de Dios), evangelizing and planting new churches. In the months to come Latinos in the Church of God will emphasize planting churches among the second and third generation of Latinos in multiethnic contexts in the USA. This endeavor will be initiated by World Missions. In this regard, Dr. Tim Hill, Director of World Missions and Dr. John Childers, Assistant Director of World Missions have committed themselves to recruiting, training and empowering second and third generation Latino church planters in the USA in partnership with Hispanic Ministries.

As we move forward with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage month in the USA, with dignity and respect let us acknowledge the opportunities that the United States has bestowed on the Latino/Hispanic community as well as the numerous contributions Latinos/Hispanics have made to the country. The Latino/Hispanic community is diverse, in many major urban settings it is comprised of recent immigrants as well as many who have been here for generations, who played a vital role in shaping the country. Young men and women have paid the ultimate price – sacrificing their lives in defense of our freedom. As we celebrate the past contributions of Latinos/Hispanic in the USA, let us reflect with a renewed commitment to build a better tomorrow for our families, our churches and our nation.

Dr. Carlos Moran is director of Hispanic Ministries for the Church of God.

Print This Post Print This Post