Fostering Multi-Cultural Communities in North CarolinaSince 1999, The Duke Endowment has awarded 77 grants totaling nearly $3.4 million to support congregational, district and conference-wide Latino outreach.
ChallengeAccording to U.S. Census data, North Carolina had the fastest growing Latino population from 1990 to 2000. The population grew 394 percent to nearly 400,000 residents in 2000. In 2004, this number was as large as 506,000. Half of this increased population moved to rural areas, according to the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center. As the Latino population grows in rural North Carolina, churches are seeing an increased number of Latinos in their pews. Latinos come from diverse religious backgrounds, and many are looking for inclusive congregations. Rural United Methodist churches may welcome newcomers, but the increased number of immigrants present language and cultural differences that can be challenging for small congregations and communities. ResponseThe Duke Endowment began awarding grants for Latino outreach and clergy development in the 1990s. Most of the funding helped churches begin ministries to address the needs of a changing population. These grants covered a range of topics, including community health screenings and farm worker housing projects. Grants from the Endowment also covered expenses of leadership and training for Latino clergy and lay leaders. After the United Methodist Church approved the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, The Duke Endowment began promoting the E.M.B.R.A.C.E. model with grantees. This model helps churches "embrace" diversity by truly welcoming Latinos into traditionally Anglo congregations and helping them start multi-cultural congregations.
As Latino ministries have grown in North Carolina, the Endowment has begun a more coordinated effort that will help connect Latino leaders in the state. The Hispanic House of Studies at Duke Divinity School is a new initiative that helps students and faculty members understand the church's diversity. Through Spanish language reading groups, "encounter" trips to Mexico and course offerings, the Hispanic House of Studies supports the formation of seminary students who have the ability to read theology with an eye for Hispanic concerns. The Hispanic House of Studies also supports the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Through its Thriving Hispanic Communities Initiative and continuing education events, the Hispanic House of Studies encourages the recognition and development of diverse congregations responding to God's call. Participating Sites in North Carolina
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In 2006 and 2008, the Endowment also sponsored a Hispanic/Latino Convocation on the Rural Church. These gatherings, open to Latino and non-Latino clergy and laity from both United Methodist conferences in North Carolina, provided an opportunity to talk about issues facing those involved in church leadership and share best practices. Speakers have included Bishop Joel Martinez from Texas and Dr. Irving Cotto from Pennsylvania. More than 75 leaders from North Carolina attended the conference in 2008, a testament to the statewide interest in Latino outreach.
Supporting Ministries
Building Bridges
Expanding ministries to serve a growing Latino population brings together two languages and cultures in one church.
