.webp)
.webp)
Bishop Suffragan of West Texas
The Rt. Rev. Angela Maria Cortiñas
Bishop Suffragan of West Texas
To meet the changes in national immigration policies and the changing needs of the Diocese of West Texas, we are pleased to announce an update in staffing and focus. Flor Saldivar, who was hired in 2019 as a consultant and then later as the Coordinator to Plaza de Paz, and most recently was the Director of Immigration, has agreed to become our Director of Latino + Immigration Ministries. Many of you know we were forced to close Plaza de Paz due to the closure of the Federal asylum-seeking program. This coupled with our strong desire to better support the changing needs of the Latino communities in our diocese felt like the logical next step forward. Flor will now report directly to me.
With this strategic change we hope to achieve several outcomes. One of the primary outcomes is to increase the cultural and language competency of both ordained and lay leaders within the diocese so that we can better support our churches and their growth into the future. Flor will be instrumental in building and centralizing resources to help those in leadership locate essential liturgies (bi-lingual and in Spanish), as well as special feasts and celebrations that can help churches build or expand their Latino ministries. She will implement and facilitate bi-lingual formation and liturgical programs throughout the diocese to assist congregations serving the needs of Latino communities especially in the areas of evangelization, discipleship and social outreach.
Our Immigration Ministry will shift to help churches create opportunities for education, advocacy and outreach for immigration. This will happen through leading pilgrimages around and across the border, speaking engagements at congregations and within the communities and supporting programs for growth in the love of Christ. Finally, we hope to build stronger relationships with our partner Latino countries and to help facilitate the ministry of work within them focusing on the healing power of Christ.
Flor transitioned into her new role on July 1. Flor is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who grew up in the valley and understands the unique challenges that Latino communities and immigrants face. She is bilingual and she has years of experience working for the diocese. Over the years, she has made many connections on both local and national levels within the Episcopal Church. She is passionate about this work and about helping people encounter the love of God in meaningful ways.
Our hope is that we can help Anglo churches become more welcoming to Latinos as well as help Latino congregations and communities to grow in both faith and joy in living out their faith in creative ways. We hope to be able to create spaces for churches to share resources, talk about what their successes and challenges are, to network and to see what other churches in our Diocese are doing.
Join me in congratulating Flor on her new and expanded role. Please reach out to us if you are interested in learning more about Latino ministries or if you are interested in reaching out to Latinos in your community.
