May 31, 2015. Philadelphia, PA. – This June, clergy leaders from the Hispanic faith community will convene in Washington D.C. under the leadership of Esperanza and the Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr., to discuss issues of priority and prevalence to the growing Hispanic community in the United States. Among items to be discussed will be the political leadership of our country, and the representation on the national political agenda of issues of importance to Hispanics, such as education, immigration, housing, the economy, and others.
Hispanics are increasingly important in our national dialogue due to their projected growth in coming decades. According to the Census Bureau, Hispanics will constitute a third of the total U.S. population by 2050. Hispanics will continue to have a growing involvement in shaping the outcomes of election campaigns. It is in this context that Esperanza will host their National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference from June 16th-18th, with hundreds of Hispanic faith leaders in attendance. Among confirmed speakers for the event are Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, and Reince Priebus, Chair of the Republican National Committee. Their participation, along with that of other elected officials, academics, and corporate representatives, gives credence to the significance of the gathering.
Reverend Luis Cortes, President of Esperanza, states “We’re always excited to have this opportunity to organize, educate and involve national leaders, on the important issues facing the Evangelical Latino population and the Hispanic community at large. The fact that in doing so, we empower thousands more families around the country, makes it even more rewarding.”
The event gathers 700 Latino faith and community leaders from 35 states to Washington, D.C., making it one of the largest gatherings of Hispanic Clergy from across the nation. Since 2002, the event has featured prominent speakers from both the Republican and the Democratic parties and has been keynoted by President George W. Bush on six occasions, President Barack Obama twice, and Vice President Joe Biden.
Highlights of this year’s conference include:
- Educational workshops with high-level dignitaries, denomination heads, and experts on various issues of importance to the Hispanic community
- Networking dinner presenting the latest research on the growth and impact of the Hispanic community
- Discussion with members of Congress on Capitol Hill about current issues pertaining to the community
- Musical celebration featuring many of today’s most renowned Hispanic Evangelical gospel artists.
This year, President Barack Obama is again invited to attend the Washington D.C. event, along with members of his Cabinet, Congress, and other distinguished guests, including presidential candidates.
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Esperanza, the premiere Hispanic Evangelical faith-based network in the country, was founded in 1987 by the Reverend Luis Cortés Jr. and the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia and vicinity. With a national network of over 13,000 Hispanic congregations, faith and community based agencies, Esperanza is a leading voice for Hispanics in America. To read more, please visit www.esperanza.us.