how as we continue to get older and explore the world around us we grow in every dimension.I am learning so much as I prepare for a discussion I am facilitating at Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cooke’s International Women in Ministry Conference with Senior Pastors and other ministers. The discussion is on "Can Black and Latino Pastors Partner Together?" Of course the answer is a resounding yes. But the real question is why should we? Why would we? In talking with Rudy and in attending last week’s Acton Institute Conference in DC, I am going to approach this by developing a foundation on the reality of this new world as it continues to emerge based on the fact that Latinos are the nation’s largest ethnic group and that in many areas there are many afro-latino connections. In addition, I plan on introducing the concept of a "politics of difference" which Charles Taylor distinguishes from "politics of equal dignity" mentioned in Miroslav Volf’s, Exclusion & Embrace book. The politics of equal dignity seeks to establish what is "universally the same, an identical basket of rights and immunities" but in the politics of difference we are asked "to recognize the unique identity of this individual or group, their distinctiveness from everyone else. The idea is that it is precisely this distinctness that has been ignored, glossed over, assimilated to a dominant or majority identity. And this assimilation is the cardinal sin against the ideal of authenticity" (pg 19). I am also going to give out some interesting articles on the afro-latino connection, in particular the Black Enterprise 2004 February Issue, which you can read by opening a free account on their site here. To help me with my facts, I am also purchasing a book called The Presumed Alliance: The Unspoken Conflict Between Latinos and Blacks and What It Means for America by Nicolas C. Vaca.
Why is partnership in the corporate or church world important? Well, besides the fact that reconcilation is something many of us agree is a God-mandate, I think the impact that can be made in our communities and our surrounding culture would be astounding. To quote Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (D-TX), "There is no doubt that challenges will abound, but the potential rewards are too promising to dismiss."
