Latinos must put aside religious rifts in order to unite and become a powerful social and political force throughout the country, two religion experts said.
Religious groups also must act in behalf on the poor and those who are often marginalized, said Ana Maria Pineda, director of graduate programs in pastoral ministries at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif., and Lisa Trevino Cummins, president of Urban Strategies in Washington, D.C.
About 75 Valley businessmen, students, city officials and leaders attended a downtown Arizona Latino Research Enterprise luncheon on Wednesday to learn about the religious dimensions that divide communities.
"The churches in the Roman Catholic tradition have been a pivotal point where people are drawn and we have to capitalize on that," said Pineda, a nun. "The church has enabled us many times to forge forward."
It has been difficult for Valley Hispanics to advance: Personal, political, religious and generational divisions have prevented them from moving forward, many say. The Arizona Latin Research Enterprise hopes to break down those barriers and is spending the year determining where Hispanics stand on a range of issues through research, polling and a Sept. 16-17 town-hall meeting.
They also hope their monthly luncheons generate a greater awareness of the varied Hispanic community and hope they impact public policy.
The next luncheon, with the topic "Latinos in the Media," is set for May 25. |
