“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10 NRSVUE
I have decided to share my passion for mental health and its impact on the Hispanic community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is part two of the series, so please send me your feedback questions or comments as you read it so I can consider them in my following message.
A Diverse Population
The Hispanic population in the United States comprises at least 20 different countries. Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Colombia, Honduras, and Spain are in the top ten countries with the highest population (Pew Research Center, 2021). There are ten other countries and what is labeled as “Other Central American,” “Other South American,” and “All other Latinos,” which makes it even more complex to have a basic understanding of the Latinx experience.
In fact, one of the recent controversies in the last few years has been about what term to use to refer to this population. Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx, Latine, Chicano, Mexican American, Afro-Latinx, etc. (US Official News, 2020). In short, each of these terms has supporters and detractors (Steinmetz, 2018). One way to approach this controversy is by asking people directly with what term they identify themselves. What might appear to be a simple question can help anyone to have an important learning regarding the person’s identity.
As disciples of Christ, this could begin our learning as we try to be in ministry ethically, contextually, and culturally humbly with our brothers and sisters in this population. Another factor that we need to take into consideration is the intersectionality that exists within the population, given that they come from different countries, ethnicities, racial identities, and, more importantly, from “different processes of inequality and power dynamics” (Torres, 2018, p. 305). Additionally, an important factor we need to pay attention to as we are in ministry with our Latinx brothers and sisters is to find out whether they grew up in their country of origin, as part of a majority population with their language, food, traditions, and faith, or if they grew up “in an area as a minority with a different language, foods, and customs” (Torres, 2019, p. 30).
The reason this is important is because, according to Torres (2019), identity development among Latinx who grew up within a majority oppressive group will be affected, and “adds a more complex developmental task” (p. 30). We must consider this complexity and find ways to connect with this community. More importantly, we need “…to understand the issues that influence how Latinx students make meaning of their identity” (Torres, 2019, p. 30) before making any assumptions. Once we have taken these considerations into account, we are now positioned to identify best practices and approaches to be in ministry with our Latinx brothers and sisters.
Almighty God, our source of abundant life, helps us appreciate the vast diversity and uniqueness of our Latinx, Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, or other minoritized brothers and sisters. Amen.
Please consider giving a donation to the following ministries and advances that serve the Hispanic population:
La Estrella Resplandeciente (You can also serve as a volunteer).
Iglesia La Semilla
La Casa del Migrante
Faith Ministry
Advances:
- S-00107 Hispanic Ministries
- S-00289 Apex Immigration Services
- S-00299 Immigration & Sanctuary Legal Support Fund