A modest past, a vibrant future
This special issue in Perspectivas is challenging and exciting. It’s invigorating to see the culmination of over 60 years of dedication from various organizations and individuals leading to a significant representation of Latine presidents in the theological and religious education field. The emergence of the first Latino president almost two decades ago was believed to mark a turning point, but it wasn’t until 2013 that a notable increase began.
The shift towards diverse representation and growth among Latine leaders is commendable, breaking away from stagnant practices that yield no new results. Despite financial challenges, organizations like the Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH) and the Hispanic Summer Program (HSP) persisted at the grassroots level, nurturing potential leaders and fostering educational pathways for Latine students. The establishment of the Hispanic Theological Initiative (HTI) in 1996, initially supported by Pew Charitable Trust, Inc., aimed to address the dearth representation of Latine faculty in theological education. However, the discontinuation of Pew’s funding for HTI in 2007, coinciding with economic downturns, posed significant obstacles requiring adaptability and resilience from these institutions. As theological institutions continued to grapple with declining enrollment and other internal challenges, the importance of visionary leadership, diversity, and adaptability in educational programs became and is still increasingly evident.
The current landscape underscores the necessity for theological institutions to innovate and tailor their educational offerings to the evolving needs of students and communities they will serve, especially amidst the ongoing pandemic. Programs like Latinas in Leadership, initiated by HTI with a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., exemplify proactive steps towards preparing Latina leaders for executive roles in theological education because since 2019 when President Doris Garcia vacated her presidency at the Evangelical Seminary in Puerto Rico, there are no Latina presidents in theological education. Despite the progress made, it’s essential to acknowledge that the full impact of these efforts is still unfolding, given that many of these presidents have not held their positions for an extended period.
Looking ahead, there is optimism in the growing initiatives aimed at cultivating diverse leadership within theological education. The commitment and innovation displayed by the Latine community over the past six decades have paved the way for more inclusive and transformative leadership in theological and religious education. As the Latine presidents and deans represented in this special issue continue to chart new paths and articulate bold visions for their institutions, and hopefully supported by their board members, faculty, and administrators, we anticipate a future of vibrant and impactful theological education that resonates globally.