On Sunday March 21, the attention of many in our nation, including mine, was on the debate about health care reform. While this historical process was happening in DC, thousands of Americans (many of the Latinos) were gathered at the National Mall in support and calling our nation to a just immigration reform. This great gathering was an ecumenical gathering. During the weekend hundreds of Christians were gathered for the Ecumenical Advocacy Days, the culmination of which was the rally for immigration reform. More than 200,000 people participated in the rally.
By some estimates by 2050 Latinos will constitute at least a quarter, and perhaps close to a third, of the U.S. population. (Currently Latinos comprise about 15 percent of the population). In a recent article Peter Steinfels, a New York Times religion columnist and the co-director of the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture said referring to Christian Latinos that “At the very least, "they will not only have a place at the table, they will be the hosts of the table" (this is the Lord’s Table).
The Rev. Claudio Burgaleta, who coordinates the Latino studies program at Fordham's Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, noted that a majority of U.S, Latino Catholics identify themselves as "charismatic". While Catholic, they embrace a Pentecostal-like worship, believe in miracles, are biblically conservative and believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, watches over them.
This growing trend present many challenges to Latinos and to other Americans. Knowing very well my culture and its religious experience I know that as other cultures we have much to learn in regards to tolerance and acceptance of the other. As we grow in numbers in this country we must also grow in our appreciation of the political and religious perspectives different than ours.We need an immigration reform, at the same time we must continually reform our tolerance, respect and love for all of God’s children.
Carlos M