HISPANICS A guide
to Hispanics and religion in the U.S.
Hispanics, already
the nation’s largest ethnic minority, are expected to double their U.S. population
in less than 50 years. That will have profound effects on religion, many of
which are already evident. ReligionLink offers an expansive guide to Hispanic
religion, including scores of interview sources and links to organizations and
surveys.
How to use this
guide
This guide is organized
into several topics. Scholars may be listed under more than one area, depending
on their expertise. Click to jump to:
Click
the map for interview sources
in your state and region
If you would like
to be added to this source listing or request a change in the information, please
email hispanics@religionlink.org.
If you are requesting a change in the wording of your listing, please state
the reason for the change. ReligionLink reserves the right to decide which listings
to include.
• For organizations,
include the name, mission, web site and a contact name with phone number and
email. Also include any specific areas of interest and expertise.
• For individuals,
include name, title, organization, city and state, web site, areas of expertise,
phone number and email.
• Edwin David Aponte
is vice president of academic affairs and dean of Lancaster Theological Seminary
in Lancaster, Pa., where he also teaches religion and culture. He co-edited
Handbook of Latina/o Theologies (Chalice Press, 2006).Contact
717-290-8754, eaponte@lancasterseminary.edu.
• Efrain
Agosto is a professor of New Testament and directs the Hispanic ministries
program at Hartford Seminary. His expertise includes Bible scholarship and Hispanic
theology across the U.S. Christian denominations. Contact 860-509-9515, eagosto@hartsem.edu.
• Monsignor Arturo J. Bañuelas is pastor of St.
Pius X Catholic Church in El Paso, Texas. He founded and directs the Tepeyac
Institute and is nationally known for his expertise on border issues and
culture. Bañuelas edited Mestizo Christianity: Theology From the Latino
Perspective (Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2004). Contact hopie12@msn.com.
• Peter
Casarella is an associate professor of systematic theology at Catholic University
of America in Washington, D.C. His specialties include Hispanic theology and
the arts. His books include, as co-editor, ElCuerpo de Cristo: The
Hispanic Presence in the U.S. Catholic Church (Crossroad, 1998). Contact
202-319-6517, casarelp@cua.edu.
• Gilberto
Cavazos-González is an associate professor of spirituality at Catholic Theological
Union, Chicago, where he directs the Hispanic ministry program. He specializes
in contemporary Hispanic spirituality. Contact 773-753-7474, otrebligcg@ctu.edu.
• Elizabeth Conde-Frazier is an associate professor of religious education at
Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, Calif. Her interests include immigration/migration
and ecumenism. She wrote Hispanic Bible Institutes: A Community of Theological
Construction (University of Scranton Press, 2005) and co-wrote A Many
Colored Kingdom: Multicultural Dynamics for Spiritual Formation (Baker Academic,
2004). Contact 909-447-2530, ecfrazier@cst.edu.
• Miguel
A. De La Torre teaches social ethics at Iliff School of Theology in Denver,
where he directs the school’s Justice and Peace Institute. Issues he can discuss
include religion’s effects on class/race/gender oppression, Santeria, Cuba and
liberation theology. His numerous books include, as co-editor, Rethinking
Latino(a) Religion and Identity (Pilgrim Press, 2006) and Handbook of
Latina/o Theologies (Chalice Press, 2006). Contact 303-765-3133, mdelatorre@iliff.edu.
• Miguel
H. Díaz, who teaches theology at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s
University in Collegeville, Minn., is president of the Academy
of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. His specialties include
Cuba, popular religion and U.S. Hispanic theologies. He wrote On Being Human:
U.S. Hispanic and Rahnerian Perspectives (Orbis Books, 2001) and co-edited
From the Heart of Our People: Latino/a Explorations in Catholic Systematic
Theology (Orbis, 1999). Contact 320-363-2964, mdiaz@csbsju.edu.
• Gastón
Espinosa is an assistant professor of religious studies at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif. He is an expert on U.S. Latino religions and politics, Latinos and the American presidency, demographic shifts in Latino religions, and evangelical and Pentecostal/Catholic Charismatic movements. His books include, as co-author, Mexican American Religions: Spirituality, Activism, and Culture, Rethinking Latino(a) Religion and Identity and Latino Religions and Civic Activism in the United States. Contact gaston.espinosa@cmc.edu.
• The Rev. Allan
Figueroa Deck, a Jesuit priest, is president and executive director of the
Loyola
Institute for Spirituality in Orange, Calif. He can discuss Hispanic ministry
issues and religion, culture and spirituality. Contact 714-997-9587, afdecksj@loyolainstitute.org.
• Orlando
O. Espín teaches systematic theology at the University of San Diego, where
he directs the Center
for the Study of Latino/a Catholicism. He is president-elect of the Academy
of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. Espín’s specialties include
popular religion, and he recently opened a dialogue between Catholic theologians
and followers of Lukumi (Santeria). Contact 619-260-4087, espin@sandiego.edu.
• Ada María Isasi-Díaz
is a professor of ethics and theology at Drew University in Madison, N.J., and
founder and co-director of the Hispanic
Institute of Theology. Her interests include mujerista
theology and Cuba. Contact 973-408-3269, aisasidi@drew.edu.
• Carmen
M. Nanko-Fernández is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and director
of field education at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She is vice president
of the Academy of Catholic
Hispanic Theologians of the United States and co-chairs the American Academy
of Religion’s Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. Her expertise includes
pastoral theology, immigration/migration, public theology, language and popular
culture. Contact 773-371-5533, cnanko@ctu.edu.
• Sister
Ana María Pineda teaches Hispanic theology, spirituality and ministry at
Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif. Her interests include women’s
issues and pastoral issues. She co-edited Dialogue Rejoined: Theology and
Ministry in the U.S. Hispanic Reality (The Liturgical Press, 1995).Contact
408-554-6958, ampineda@scu.edu.
• Nancy
Pineda-Madrid is an assistant professor of theology and U.S. Latino/a ministry
at Boston College. Her interests include Hispanic theologies and feminism. Contact
617-552-2285, nancy.pineda-madrid@bc.edu.
• Michelle
Gonzalez Maldonado is an assistant professor of religious studies at the
University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Her interests include Afro-Cuban studies,
feminist theologies and Hispanic religiosity. She wrote Sor Juana: Beauty
and Justice in the Americas (Orbis Books, 2003) and Afro-Cuban Theology:
Religion, Race, Culture and Identity (University Press of Florida,
2006). Contact 305-284-9782, mmaldonado@miami.edu.
• José Irizarry is an associate professor of cultural studies in religion and
education and dean of doctoral level programs at McCormick Theological Seminary
in Chicago. He can discuss public theology, religious education, ecumenism,
intercultural issues and the arts. Contact 773-947-6332, jirizarry@mccormick.edu.
• Daisy L.
Machado is vice president of academic affairs and dean of Lexington Theological
Seminary in Kentucky. She was the first U.S. Latina Protestant to complete a
theology doctorate. She wrote Of Borders and Margins: Hispanic Disciples
in Texas, 1888-1945 (Clarendon Press, 2006) and co-edited A Reader in
Latina Feminist Theology: Religion and Justice (University of Texas Press,
2002). Her specialties include women’s issues. Contact 859-280-1256, dmachado@lextheo.edu.
• Otto Maduro
teaches Latin American Christianity and world Christianity at Drew University
in Madison, N.J. He directs the Hispanic
Summer Program on religion and theology. Maduro is directing a research
project on U.S. Latina/o Pentecostal churches in Newark, N.J. He also can discuss
U.S. Latina/o religion, Latin American Christianity and liberation theology.
Contact 973-408-3041, omaduro@drew.edu.
• Juan
Martinez teaches Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at Fuller Theological
Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where he is assistant dean for Hispanic church
studies. He is a Mennonite whose expertise includes Hispanic Protestantism and
immigration. Contact 626-584-5588, martinez@fuller.edu.
• Milagros Peña
teaches sociology and directs women’s studies at the University of Florida,
Gainesville. Her expertise includes women’s issues, border issues and Hispanic
ministry in the United States. Her books include, as co-author,Emerging
Voices, Urgent Choices: Essays on Latino/a Religious Leadership (Brill Academic
Publishers, 2006). Contact 352-273-0387, mpena@soc.ufl.edu.
• The Rev. Gary
Riebe-Estrella, who is a Catholic priest, is vice president, academic dean
and associate professor of practical theology and Hispanic ministry at Catholic
Theological Union, Chicago. He can discuss education and placement of clergy,
congregational issues, U.S. Latino Catholics, and Mexican popular religion.
He co-edited Horizons of the Sacred: Mexican Traditions in U.S. Catholicism
(Cornell University Press, 2002). Contact 773-753-5306, griebe@ctu.edu.
• Luis
Rivera is an associate professor of theology at McCormick Theological Center
in Chicago, where he directs the Center for the Study of Latino/a Theology
and Ministry. His expertise includes liberation theology and immigration/migration.
Contact lrivera@mccormick.edu.
• José
David Rodríguez holds the Augustana Heritage Chair of Global Mission and
World Christianity at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where he also
teaches systematic theology and directs advanced programs of study. His interests
include Hispanic Christian theologies, Latino ministry, ethics, world Christianity
and missions. Contact 773-256-0763, jrodrigu@lstc.edu.
• The
Rev. Jean-Pierre
Ruiz, a Catholic priest who teaches biblical studies and Hispanic theology
at St. John’s University in New York, is editor in chief of the Journal
of Hispanic/Latino Theology. Hispanic religious issues he can discuss
include Bible translations, end-times perspectives, ecumenism, relations with
Jews and Muslims, immigration and immigration, and clergy. Contact 718-990-6424,
ruizj@stjohns.edu.
• The
Rev. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, a Catholic priest who teaches at Sacred Heart School of
Theology in Hales Corners, Wis., can talk about liturgy, worship, language,
clergy and popular traditions. Contact 414-529-6977, rgomez@shst.edu.
• Fernando
Segovia is Oberlin Graduate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. His interests include biblical
scholarship, conversations across ethnic and racial lines, culture studies,
diaspora Cubans and Latin American theologies. Contact fernando.f.segovia@vanderbilt.edu.
• María
Pilar Aquino Vargas is a professor of theology and religious studies at
the University of San Diego. Her specialties include Latina feminism, both in
the United States and in Latin America. She wrote Our Cry for Life: Feminist
Theology From Latin America (English translation Wipf & Stock Publishers,
2002). Contact 619-260-4280, aquino@sandiego.edu.
• Religion
sociologist Manuel
A.Vásquez, who teaches at the University of Florida, Gainesville, is a
prominent authority on Latino immigration/migration’s effects on the United
States. He is co-directing a Ford
Foundation-supported study of Mexicans, Guatemalans and Brazilians in Florida.
His books include, as co-author, Globalizing the Sacred: Religion Across
the Americas (Rutgers University Press, 2003) and, as co-editor, Christianity,
Social Change and Globalization in the Americas (Rutgers, 2001.) Contact
352-392-1625, mvasquez@religion.ufl.edu.
• The
Rev. Luis Vera, a member of the Order of St. Augustine, directs pre-novices
and the prior at Augustinian College, which is the Province’s formation house
in Washington, D.C. He has expertise on Hispanic ministry and on victims of
torture. Contact veraosa@aol.com.
• Benjamin
Valentin teaches theology and culture at Andover Newton Theological School
in Newton Centre, Mass., where he directs Latino/a studies. He co-chairs the
AAR Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. His expertise includes the
intersection between Latinos and African-Americans, liberation theology and
Hispanic theology. Valentin authored Mapping Public Theology: Beyond Culture,
Identity and Difference (Trinity Press International, 2002); edited New
Horizons in Hispanic/Latino(a) Theology (Pilgrim Press, 2003);and co-edited
The Ties That Bind: African-American and Hispanic-American/ Latino(a) Theologies
in Dialogue (Continuum, 2001). Contact 617-964-1100 ext. 245, bvalentin@ants.edu.
• Arlene
Sánchez Walsh teaches Latino church studies and chairs the ministry department
at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, Calif. She is researching the
prosperity gospel’s influence among Hispanic evangelicals.She wrote
Latino Pentecostal Identity: Evangelical Faith, Self and Society (Columbia
University Press, 2003). Contact 626-815-5439, asanchez-walsh@apu.edu.
Clergy
issues
•
The Rev. Andres Mendoza directs the National
Association of Hispanic Priests of the USA. Contact him at 806-763-0710
or through the Rev. Miguel Solórzano, the association’s communications director,
713-672-6141 ext. 12, miguel@solorzano.com.
• The
Rev. Gary
Riebe-Estrella, who is a Catholic priest, is vice president, academic dean
and associate professor of practical theology and Hispanic ministry at Catholic
Theological Union in Chicago. He can discuss education and placement of clergy,
congregational issues, U.S. Latino Catholics and Mexican popular religion. He
co-edited Horizons of the Sacred: Mexican Traditions in U.S. Catholicism
(Cornell University Press, 2002). Contact773-753-5306, griebe@ctu.edu.
Cuba
• Miguel
A. De La Torre teaches social ethics at Iliff School of Theology in Denver,
where he directs the school’s Justice and Peace Institute. Issues he can discuss
include religion’s effects on class/race/gender oppression, Santeria, Cuba and
liberation theology. His numerous books include, as co-editor, Rethinking
Latino(a) Religion And Identity (Pilgrim Press, 2006) and Handbook of
Latina/o Theologies (Chalice Press, 2006). Contact 303-765-3133, mdelatorre@iliff.edu.
• Miguel
H. Díaz, who teaches theology at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s
University in Collegeville, Minn., is president of the Academy
of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. His specialties include
Cuba, popular religion and U.S. Hispanic theologies. He wrote On Being Human:
U.S. Hispanic and Rahnerian Perspectives (Orbis Books, 2001) and co-edited
From the Heart of Our People: Latino /a Explorations in Catholic Systematic
Theology (Orbis, 1999). Contact 320-363-2964, mdiaz@csbsju.edu.
• Fernando
Segovia is Oberlin Graduate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. His interests include biblical
scholarship, conversations across ethnic and racial lines, culture studies,
diaspora Cubans and Latin American theologies. Contact fernando.f.segovia@vanderbilt.edu.
Culture
and arts
• Peter
Casarella is associate professor of systematic theology at the Catholic
University of America in Washington, D.C. His specialties include Hispanic theology
and the arts. His books include, as co-editor, ElCuerpo de Cristo:
The Hispanic Presence in the U.S. Catholic Church (Crossroad, 1998). Contact
202-319-6517, casarelp@cua.edu.
• Alejandro
García-Rivera teaches systematic theology at Jesuit School of Theology at
Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif. He can discuss Hispanic theologies, culture and
the arts. Contact 510-549-5020, agarcia@jstb.edu.
• José
Irizarry is associate professor of cultural studies in religion and education
and dean of doctoral level programs at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.
He can discuss public theology, religious education, ecumenism, intercultural
issues and the arts. Contact 773-947-6332, jirizarry@mccormick.edu.
• Jaime
Lara chairs Yale Divinity School ’s religion and the arts program, and can
discuss Hispanic theology and the arts. Contact 203-432-9752, jaime.lara@yale.edu.
• Francisco
Lozada Jr. chairs religious studies at the University of the Incarnate Word
in San Antonio. Issues he can discuss include Latino/a religion and culture.
Contact 210-283-5051, lozada@uiwtx.edu.
• Carmen
M. Nanko-Fernández is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and director
of field education at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She is vice president
of the Academy of Catholic
Hispanic Theologians of the United States and co-chairs the American Academy
of Religion’s Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. Her expertise includes
pastoral theology, immigration/migration, public theology, language and popular
culture. Contact 773-371-5533, cnanko@ctu.edu.
• Fernando
Segovia is Oberlin Graduate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. His interests include biblical
scholarship, conversations across ethnic and racial lines, culture studies,
diaspora Cubans and Latin American theologies. Contact fernando.f.segovia@vanderbilt.edu.
Hispanic
theologies
• Efrain
Agosto is a professor of New Testament and directs the Hispanic ministries
program at Hartford Seminary. His expertise includes Bible scholarship and Hispanic
theology across the U.S. Christian denominations. Contact 860-509-9515, eagosto@hartsem.edu.
• Edwin
David Aponte is vice president of academic affairs and dean of Lancaster Theological
Seminary in Lancaster, Pa., where he also teaches religion and culture. He co-edited
Handbook of Latina/o Theologies (Chalice Press, 2006).Contact
717-290-8754, eaponte@lancasterseminary.edu.
• Peter
Casarella is associate professor of systematic theology at Catholic University
of America in Washington, D.C. His specialties include Hispanic theology and
the arts. His books include, as co-editor, ElCuerpo de Cristo: The
Hispanic Presence in the U.S. Catholic Church (Crossroad, 1998). Contact
202-319-6517, casarelp@cua.edu.
• Miguel
H. Díaz, who teaches theology at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s
University in Collegeville, Minn., is president of the Academy
of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. His specialties include
Cuba, popular religion and U.S. Hispanic theologies. He wrote On Being Human:
U.S. Hispanic and Rahnerian Perspectives (Orbis Books, 2001) and co-edited
From the Heart of Our People: Latino/a Explorations in Catholic Systematic
Theology (Orbis, 1999). Contact 320-363-2964, mdiaz@csbsju.edu.
• Alejandro
García-Rivera teaches systematic theology at Jesuit School of Theology at
Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif. He can discuss Hispanic theologies, culture and
the arts. Contact 510-549-5020, agarcia@jstb.edu.
• Albert
Hernández teaches the history of Christianity at Iliff School of Theology
in Denver. His interests include Latino/a theologies. Contact 303-765-3180.
• Jaime
Lara chairs Yale Divinity School’s religion and the arts program, and can
discuss Hispanic theology and the arts. Contact 203-432-9752, jaime.lara@yale.edu.
• Otto
Maduro teaches Latin American Christianity and world Christianity at Drew
University in Madison, N.J. He directs the Hispanic
Summer Program on religion and theology. Maduro is directing a research
project on U.S. Latina/o Pentecostal churches in Newark, N.J. He also can discuss
U.S. Latina/o religion, Latin American Christianity and liberation theology.
Contact 973-408-3041, omaduro@drew.edu.
• Juan
Martinez teaches Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at Fuller Theological
Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where he is assistant dean for Hispanic church
studies. He is a Mennonite whose expertise includes Hispanic Protestantism and
immigration. Contact 626-584-5588, martinez@fuller.edu.
• Hjamil
Martínez-Vázquez is an assistant professor of religion at Texas Christian University
in Fort Worth. His expertise includes Latino/a religions in the United States
and Latin America, Latina feminist theory and Latino/a Muslims. Contact 817-257-6596
(cell), 817-733-8042, libertadsiempre1@hotmail.com
or h.martinez-vazquez@tcu.edu.
• Carmen
M. Nanko-Fernández is an assistant professor of pastoral ministry and director
of field education at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She is vice president
of the Academy of Catholic
Hispanic Theologians of the United States and co-chairs the American Academy
of Religion’s Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. Her expertise includes
pastoral theology, immigration/migration, public theology, language and popular
culture. Contact 773-371-5533, cnanko@ctu.edu.
• Nancy
Pineda-Madrid is an assistant professor of theology and U.S. Latino/a ministry
at Boston College. Her interests include Hispanic theologies and feminism. Contact
617-552-2285, nancy.pineda-madrid@bc.edu.
• Daniel
Ramirez teaches religions of the Southwest borderlands at Arizona State University.
His expertise includes Latino religion and religion in the Americas. Contact
480-965-0103, Daniel.Ramirez@asu.edu.
• Harold
Recinos is professor of church and society at Southern Methodist University
in Dallas. His interests include popular religion, Latino theologies, Hispanic
immigrants and refugees in the United States, and liberation theology. His books
include Good News From the Barrio: Prophetic Witness for the Church (Westminster
John Knox Press, 2005). Contact 214-768-1773, hrecinos@mail.smu.edu.
• José
David Rodríguez holds the Augustana Heritage Chair of Global Mission and
World Christianity at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where he also
teaches systematic theology and directs advanced programs of study. His interests
include Hispanic Christian theologies, Latino ministry, ethics, world Christianity
and missions. Contact 773-256-0763, jrodrigu@lstc.edu.
• Benjamin
Valentin teaches theology and culture at Andover Newton Theological School
in Newton Centre, Mass., where he directs Latino/a studies. He co-chairs the
AAR Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. His expertise includes the
intersection between Latinos and African-Americans, liberation theology and
Hispanic theology. Valentin authored Mapping Public Theology: Beyond Culture,
Identity and Difference (Trinity Press International, 2002); edited New
Horizons in Hispanic/Latino(a) Theology (Pilgrim Press, 2003);and co-edited
The Ties That Bind: African-American and Hispanic-American/ Latino(a) Theologies
in Dialogue (Continuum, 2001). Contact 617-964-1100 ext. 245, bvalentin@ants.edu.
Immigration/migration
• See
ReligionLink’s
issue on immigration reform for background and more sources.
• David
A. Badillo is associate director for research at The Bronx Institute of Lehman
College. His books include, as author, Latinos and the New Immigrant Church
(Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006). Contact 718-960-6767, David.Badillo@lehman.cuny.edu.
• Monsignor
Arturo J. Bañuelas is pastor of St.
Pius X Catholic Church in El Paso, Texas. He founded and directs the Tepeyac
Institute and is nationally known for his expertise on border issues and
culture. Bañuelas edited Mestizo Christianity: Theology From the
Latino Perspective (Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2004). Contact hopie12@msn.com.
• Elizabeth
Conde-Frazier is associate professor of religious education at Claremont School
of Theology in Claremont, Calif. Her interests include immigration/migration
and ecumenism. She wrote Hispanic Bible Institutes: A Community of Theological
Construction (University of Scranton Press, 2005) and co-wrote A Many
Colored Kingdom: Multicultural Dynamics for Spiritual Formation (Baker Academic,
2004). Contact 909-447-2530, ecfrazier@cst.edu.
• Juan
Martinez teaches Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at Fuller Theological
Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where expertise includes Hispanic Protestantism
and immigration. Contact 626-584-5588, martinez@fuller.edu.
• Carmen
M. Nanko-Fernández is an assistant professor of pastoral ministry and director
of field education at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She is vice president
of the Academy of Catholic
Hispanic Theologians of the United States and co-chairs the American Academy
of Religion’s Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. Her expertise includes
pastoral theology, immigration/migration, public theology, language and popular
culture. Contact 773-371-5533, cnanko@ctu.edu.
• Milagros
Peña teaches sociology and directs women’s studies at the University of
Florida, Gainesville. Her expertise includes women’s issues, border issues and
Hispanic ministry in the United States. Her books include, as co-author,Emerging Voices, Urgent Choices: Essays on Latino/a Religious Leadership
(Brill Academic Publishers, 2006). Contact 352-273-0387, mpena@soc.ufl.edu.
• Harold
Recinos is professor of church and society at Southern Methodist University
in Dallas. His interests include popular religion, Latino theologies, Hispanic
immigrants and refugees in the United States, and liberation theology. His books
include Good News From the Barrio: Prophetic Witness for the Church (Westminster
John Knox Press, 2005). Contact 214-768-1773, hrecinos@mail.smu.edu.
• Luis
Rivera is an associate professor of theology at McCormick Theological Center,
Chicago, where he directs the Center for the Study of Latino/a Theology and
Ministry. His expertise includes liberation theology and immigration/migration.
Contact lrivera@mccormick.edu.
• The
Rev. Jean-Pierre
Ruiz, a Catholic priest who teaches biblical studies and Hispanic theology
at St. John’s University in New York, is editor in chief of the Journal
of Hispanic/Latino Theology. Hispanic religious issues he can discuss
include Bible translations, end-times perspectives, relations with Jews and
Muslims, migration and immigration, and clergy. Contact 718-990-6424, ruizj@stjohns.edu.
• Religion
sociologist Manuel
A. Vásquez, who teaches at the University of Florida, Gainesville, is a
prominent authority on Latino immigration/migration’s effects on the United
States. He is co-directing a Ford
Foundation-supported study of Mexicans, Guatemalans and Brazilians in Florida.
His books include, as co-author, Globalizing the Sacred: Religion Across
the Americas (Rutgers University Press, 2003) and, as co-editor, Christianity,
Social Change and Globalization in the Americas (Rutgers, 2001.) Contact
352-392-1625, mvasquez@religion.ufl.edu.
• The
Rev. Luis Vera, a member of the Order of St. Augustine, directs pre-novices
and the prior at Augustinian College, which is the Province’s formation house
in Washington, D.C. He has expertise on Hispanic ministry and on victims of
torture. Contact veraosa@aol.com.
Interfaith
/ ecumenism
• Elizabeth
Conde-Frazier is an associate professor of religious education at Claremont
School of Theology in Claremont, Calif. Her interests include immigration/migration
and ecumenism. She wrote Hispanic Bible Institutes: A Community of Theological
Construction (University of Scranton Press, 2005) and co-wrote A Many
Colored Kingdom: Multicultural Dynamics for Spiritual Formation (Baker Academic,
2004). Contact 909-447-2530, ecfrazier@cst.edu.
• Orlando
O. Espín teaches systematic theology at the University of San Diego, where
he directs the Center for the Study of Latino/a Catholicism. He is president-elect
of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. Espín’s
specialties include popular religion, and he recently opened a dialogue between
Catholic theologians and followers of Lukumi (Santeria). Contact 619-260-4087,
espin@sandiego.edu.
• José Irizarry is an associate professor of cultural studies in religion and
education and dean of doctoral level programs at McCormick Theological Seminary
in Chicago. He can discuss public theology, religious education, ecumenism,
intercultural issues and the arts. Contact 773-947-6332, jirizarry@mccormick.edu.
• Hjamil
Martínez-Vázquez is an assistant professor of religion at Texas Christian University
in Fort Worth. His expertise includes Latino/a religions in the United States
and Latin America, Latina feminist theory and Latino/a Muslims. Contact 817-257-6596
(cell), 817-733-8042, libertadsiempre1@hotmail.com
or h.martinez-vazquez@tcu.edu.
• Joanne
Rodríguez directs the Hispanic
Theological Initiative, which is an ecumenical endeavor mentoring Hispanic
students in doctoral work. It is on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary.
Contact 609-252-1721, joanne.rodriguez@ptsem.edu.
• The
Rev. Jean-Pierre
Ruiz, a Catholic priest who teaches biblical studies and Hispanic theology
at St. John’s University in New York, is editor in chief of the Journal
of Hispanic/Latino Theology. Hispanic religious issues he can discuss
include Bible translations, end-times perspectives, ecumenism, relations with
Jews and Muslims, immigration and immigration, and clergy. Contact 718-990-6424,
ruizj@stjohns.edu.
Judaism
• Abraham Lavender
is president of the Navon Program for the Study of Sephardic and Oriental Jewry
and professor of sociology at Florida International University in Miami, Fla.
He is also president of the Society
of Crypto-Judaic Studies. Contact lavender@fiu.edu.
• Arthur
Benveniste, a retired history teacher, has written extensively on Sephardic
and crypto Jews. Contact benven@earthlink.net.
• Gregory
Lee Cuéllar is curator for rare books and manuscripts at Texas A&M University’s
Cushing Library in College Station, Texas. He can discuss Mexican colonial history,
the Mexican immigrant experience and crypto-Judaism (practicing Jews publicly
passing as Catholic) in the New Spain. Contact 979-845-1951, gcuellar@lib-gw.tamu.edu.
•
University
of California at Irvine Center
for Research on Latinos in a Global Society sponsored the January 2006 conference
"Latinos
and Jews: A Conference on Historical and Contemporary Connections."
• Dina
Siegel Vann is director of the American Jewish Committee's Institute on
Latino and Latin American Affairs in Washington, D.C. Contact 202-785-5492.
Language
and translations
• Carmen
M. Nanko-Fernández is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and director
of field education at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She is vice president
of the Academy of Catholic
Hispanic Theologians of the United States and co-chairs the American Academy
of Religion’s Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. Her expertise includes
pastoral theology, immigration/migration, public theology, language and popular
culture. Contact 773-371-5533, cnanko@ctu.edu.
• The
Rev. Jean-Pierre
Ruiz, a Catholic priest who teaches biblical studies and Hispanic theology
at St. John’s University in New York, is editor in chief of the Journal
of Hispanic/Latino Theology. Hispanic religious issues he can discuss
include Bible translations, end-times perspectives, ecumenism, relations with
Jews and Muslims, immigration and immigration, and clergy. Contact 718-990-6424,
ruizj@stjohns.edu.
Liberation
theology
• See ReligionLink’s
issue on liberation theology for background and more sources.
• Miguel
A. De La Torre teaches social ethics at Iliff School of Theology in Denver,
where he directs the school’s Justice and Peace Institute. Issues he can discuss
include religion’s effects on class/race/gender oppression, Santeria, Cuba and
liberation theology. His numerous books include, as co-editor, Rethinking
Latino(a) Religion and Identity (Pilgrim Press, 2006) and Handbook of
Latina/o Theologies (Chalice Press, 2006). Contact 303-765-3133, mdelatorre@iliff.edu.
• Otto Maduro
teaches Latin American Christianity and world Christianity at Drew University
in Madison, N.J. He directs the Hispanic
Summer Program on religion and theology. Maduro is directing a research
project on U.S. Latina/o Pentecostal churches in Newark, N.J. He also can discuss
U.S. Latina/o religion, Latin American Christianity and liberation theology.
Contact 973-408-3041, omaduro@drew.edu.
• Lara
Medina is associate professor of Chicano and Chicana studies at California State
University, Northridge. She specializes in Chicana spirituality, liberation
theology and Chicano/a religious history. She wrote Las Hermanas: Chicana/Latina
Religious-Political Activism in the U.S. Catholic Church (Temple University
Press, 2004). Contact 818-677-6142, lara.medina@csun.edu.
• Luis
Rivera is associate professor of theology at McCormick Theological Center
in Chicago, where he directs the Center for the Study of Latino/a Theology
and Ministry. His expertise includes liberation theology and immigration/migration.
Contact lrivera@mccormick.edu.
• Harold
Recinos http://www.smu.edu/theology/people/recinos.html
is professor of church and society at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
His interests include popular religion, Latino theologies, Hispanic immigrants
and refugees in the United States, and liberation theology. His books include
Good News From the Barrio: Prophetic Witness for the Church (Westminster
John Knox Press, 2005). Contact 214-768-1773, hrecinos@mail.smu.edu.
• Christopher
Tirres is an assistant professor of religious studies at Harvey Mudd College
in Claremont, Calif. His expertise includes Latin American liberation theology.
Contact 909-607-0453, tirres@hmc.edu.
• Benjamin
Valentin teaches theology and culture at Andover Newton Theological School
in Newton Centre, Mass., where he directs Latino/a studies. He co-chairs the
AAR Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. His expertise includes the
intersection between Latinos and African-Americans, liberation theology and
Hispanic theology. Valentin authored Mapping Public Theology: Beyond Culture,
Identity and Difference (Trinity Press International, 2002); edited New
Horizons in Hispanic/Latino(a) Theology (Pilgrim Press, 2003);and co-edited
The Ties That Bind: African-American and Hispanic-American/ Latino(a) Theologies
in Dialogue (Continuum, 2001). Contact 617-964-1100 ext. 245, bvalentin@ants.edu.
Multiculturalism
• José
Irizarry is an associate professor of cultural studies in religion and education
and dean of doctoral level programs at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.
He can discuss public theology, religious education, ecumenism, intercultural
issues and the arts. Contact 773-947-6332, jirizarry@mccormick.edu.
• Michelle
Gonzalez Maldonado is an assistant professor of religious studies at the
University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Her interests include Afro-Cuban studies,
feminist theologies and Hispanic religiosity. She wrote Sor Juana: Beauty
and Justice in the Americas (Orbis Books, 2003) and Afro-Cuban Theology:
Religion, Race, Culture, and Identity (University Press of Florida,
2006). Contact 305-284-9782, mmaldonado@miami.edu.
• Lydia
Rivera Kalb directs the Multicultural Center at the Lutheran School of Theology
at Chicago. In 1979, she became the first Hispanic Lutheran woman to be ordained.
Read a Sept.
12, 2006, news release. Contact lkalb@lstc.edu.
• Fernando
Segovia is Oberlin Graduate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. His interests include biblical
scholarship, conversations across ethnic and racial lines, culture studies,
diaspora Cubans and Latin American theologies. Contact fernando.f.segovia@vanderbilt.edu.
• Benjamin
Valentin teaches theology and culture at Andover Newton Theological School
in Newton Centre, Mass., where he directs Latino/a studies. He co-chairs the
AAR Latina/o Religion, Culture and Society Group. His expertise includes the
intersection between Latinos and African-Americans, liberation theology and
Hispanic theology. Valentin authored Mapping Public Theology: Beyond Culture,
Identity and Difference (Trinity Press International, 2002); edited New
Horizons in Hispanic/Latino(a) Theology (Pilgrim Press, 2003);and co-edited
The Ties That Bind: African-American and Hispanic-American/ Latino(a) Theologies
in Dialogue (Continuum, 2001). Contact 617-964-1100 ext. 245, bvalentin@ants.edu.
Politics
• John
A. García teaches political science at the University of Arizona.
He wrote Latino Politics in America: Community, Culture, and Interests
(Rowman and Littlefield Press, 2003). Contact 520-621-7095, jag@email.arizona.edu.
• Gastón
Espinosa is an assistant professor of religious studies at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif. He is an expert on U.S. Latino religions and politics, Latinos and the American presidency, demographic shifts in Latino religions, and evangelical and Pentecostal/Catholic Charismatic movements. His books include, as co-author, Mexican American Religions: Spirituality, Activism, and Culture, Rethinking Latino(a) Religion and Identity and Latino Religions and Civic Activism in the United States. Contact gaston.espinosa@cmc.edu.
• Lara
Medina is associate professor of Chicano and Chicana studies at California State
University, Northridge. She specializes in Chicana spirituality, liberation
theology and Chicano/a religious history. She wrote Las Hermanas: Chicana/Latina
Religious-Political Activism in the U.S. Catholic Church (Temple University
Press, 2004). Contact 818-677-6142, lara.medina@csun.edu.
• Jorge
Ramos, anchorman for Noticiero Univision and author of several books,
wrote The Latino Wave: How Hispanics Are Transforming Politics in America
(Rayo, 2005). Contact Michelle Dominguez, 212-207-7321, michelle.dominguez@harpercollins.com.
Popular
religion and traditions
• Miguel
H. Díaz, who teaches theology at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s
University in Collegeville, Minn., is president of the Academy
of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. His specialties include
Cuba, popular religion and U.S. Hispanic theologies. He wrote On Being Human:
U.S. Hispanic and Rahnerian Perspectives (Orbis Books, 2001) and co-edited
From the Heart of Our People: Latino/a Explorations in Catholic Systematic
Theology (Orbis, 1999). Contact 320-363-2964, mdiaz@csbsju.edu.
• Orlando
O. Espín teaches systematic theology at the University of San Diego, where
he directs the Center
for the Study of Latino/a Catholicism. He is president-elect of the Academy
of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. Espín’s specialties include
popular religion, and he recently opened a dialogue between Catholic theologians
and followers of Lukumi (Santeria). Contact 619-260-4087, espin@sandiego.edu.
• The
Rev. Raúl Gómez Ruiz, a Catholic priest who teaches at Sacred Heart School of
Theology in Hales Corners, Wis., can talk about liturgy, worship, language,
clergy and popular traditions. Contact 414-529-6977, rgomez@shst.edu.
• Harold
Recinos is professor of church and society at Southern Methodist University
in Dallas. His interests include popular religion, Latino theologies, Hispanic
immigrants and refugees in the United States, and liberation theology. His books
include Good News From the Barrio: Prophetic Witness for the Church (Westminster
John Knox Press, 2005). Contact 214-768-1773, hrecinos@mail.smu.edu.
• The
Rev. Gary
Riebe-Estrella, who is a Catholic priest, is vice president, academic dean
and associate professor of practical theology and Hispanic ministry at Catholic
Theological Union, Chicago. He can discuss education and placement of clergy,
congregational issues, U.S. Latino Catholics and Mexican popular religion. He
co-edited Horizons of the Sacred: Mexican Traditions in U.S. Catholicism
(Cornell University Press, 2002). Contact 773-753-5306, griebe@ctu.edu.
Women's
issues and feminism
• Nancy
Pineda-Madrid is an assistant professor of theology and U.S. Latino/a ministry
at Boston College. Her interests include Hispanic theologies and feminism. Contact
617-552-2285, nancy.pineda-madrid@bc.edu.
• Ada
María Isasi-Díaz is a professor of ethics and theology at Drew University
in Madison, N.J., and founder and co-director of the Hispanic
Institute of Theology. Her interests include mujerista
theology
and Cuba. Contact 973-408-3269, aisasidi@drew.edu.
• Daisy
L. Machado is vice president of academic affairs and dean of Lexington Theological
Seminary in Kentucky. She was the first U.S. Latina Protestant to complete a
theology doctorate. She wrote Of Borders and Margins: Hispanic Disciples
in Texas, 1888-1945 (Clarendon Press, 2006) and co-edited A Reader in
Latina Feminist Theology: Religion and Justice (University of Texas Press,
2002). Her specialties include women’s issues. Contact 859-280-1256, dmachado@lextheo.edu.
• Michelle
Gonzalez Maldonado is an assistant professor of religious studies at the
University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Her interests include Afro-Cuban studies,
feminist theologies and Hispanic religiosity. She wrote Sor Juana: Beauty
and Justice in the Americas (Orbis Books, 2003) and Afro-Cuban Theology:
Religion, Race, Culture and Identity (University Press of Florida,
2006). Contact 305-284-9782, mmaldonado@miami.edu.
• Hjamil
Martínez-Vázquez is assistant professor of religion at Texas Christian University
in Fort Worth. His expertise includes Latino/a religions in the United States
and Latin America, Latina feminist theory, and Latino/a Muslims. Contact 817-257-6596
(cell), 817-733-8042, libertadsiempre1@hotmail.com
or h.martinez-vazquez@tcu.edu.
• Lara
Medina is associate professor of Chicano and Chicana studies at California State
University, Northridge. She specializes in Chicana spirituality, liberation
theology and Chicano/a religious history. She wrote Las Hermanas: Chicana/Latina
Religious-Political Activism in the U.S. Catholic Church (Temple University
Press, 2004). Contact 818-677-6142, lara.medina@csun.edu.
• Milagros
Peña teaches sociology and directs women’s studies at the University of
Florida, Gainesville. Her expertise includes women’s issues, border issues and
Hispanic ministry in the United States. Her books include, as co-author,Emerging Voices, Urgent Choices: Essays on Latino/a Religious Leadership
(Brill Academic Publishers, 2006). Contact 352-273-0387, mpena@soc.ufl.edu.
• Sister
Ana
María Pineda teaches Hispanic theology, spirituality and ministry at Santa
Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif. Her interests include women’s issues
and pastoral issues. She co-edited Dialogue Rejoined: Theology and Ministry
in the U.S. Hispanic Reality (The Liturgical Press, 1995). Contact 408-554-6958,
ampineda@scu.edu.
• María
Pilar Aquino Vargas is a professor of theology and religious studies at
the University of San Diego. Her specialties include Latina feminism, both in
the United States and in Latin America. She wrote Our Cry for Life: Feminist
Theology From Latin America (English translation Wipf & Stock Publishers,
2002). Contact 619-260-4280, aquino@sandiego.edu.
CATHOLICS
• The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops posts demographics
on Hispanic Catholics. The dioceses of Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Galveston-Houston,
San Bernardino, Chicago, Brooklyn, Fresno, San Antonio, and Orange have the
largest Latino populations. Other statistics:
71 percent of
the U.S. Catholic population growth since 1960 is due to Hispanics
39 percent of
U.S. Catholics are Hispanic
72.6 percent
of U.S. Latinos are Catholic
20.6 percent
of U.S. Catholic parishes have a majority Latino population
6.3 percent
of U.S. priests are Hispanic
25 of 281 active
U.S. bishops are Hispanic
• The University
of Notre Dame has two centers that conduct research on Latinos: the Center for
the Study of Latino Religion and the Institute of Latino Studies. The Center
for the Study of Latino Religion posts a page
of surveys it has conducted. They include surveys on Hispanic clergy, the
future of Hispanic religious leadership, Hispanic leadership in social issues,
and Hispanic urban ministry. The Institute
for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame also posts its research,
which includes Hispanic housing in the United States, the future
of Hispanic religious leadership, Hispanic access to health services, and
Latino congregations' civic/social involvement.
• The Center
for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University does
research on Catholics’ social and religious mission, including Hispanics. Its
reports
include “Ministry in a
Church of Increasing Diversity: A Profile of Diocesan Hispanic/Latino Ministry,”
and a report on “How
Many Hispanics Are Catholic?” and more.
• Hispanics
make up 50 percent of U.S. Catholics under age 10, 48 percent of those ages
20 to 29, and 44 percent of those ages 20 to 29, according to data posted
by Instituto Fe y Vida,
a Catholic non-profit serving young Hispanics.
