I’m an immigrant Hispanic/Latinx woman born and raised in Chile. I came to the United States when I was 30 years old and received my first appointment at the Northern Illinois Conference in 2012 to serve Elgin: First UMC as associate pastor. This conference has embraced me, shaped me, and given me the opportunity to learn, grow, and share my gifts and talents. Something that I appreciated the most in our conference when I joined was the diversity. I celebrated then and celebrate today the richness of our diversity and appreciation of the different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and theological views, recognizing that each of us brings unique gifts to our shared journey.  

We are living in challenging times as a country. Divisiveness, hate, polarization, and persecution of immigrant communities seem to permeate every aspect of our society, creating barriers between communities, families, and even within the church. It is in these moments that our call to unity becomes even more urgent. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, bridge-builders, and examples of love in a world that so desperately needs healing. The early church exemplified this unity in diversity. Acts 2:42-47 paints a powerful picture of believers coming together, sharing everything, and supporting one another in love.

This is a critical time when we must be united in proclaiming to our world, society, and country the need for love, faith, hope, justice, and unity. We are called to live together in unity, even though we know it is not always an easy task in today’s world.  

Diversity enriches us, unity strengthens us! Our differences are not obstacles but gifts that bring depth, creativity, and a fuller reflection of God’s image. When we embrace diversity, we gain new insights, deepen our compassion, and create a more vibrant and inclusive community. Yet, diversity alone is not enough; we must also strive for unity. Unity calls us to move beyond mere coexistence and into true fellowship, where we uplift and support one another in love. It is through unity that we find strength, resilience, and the power to create lasting change.

As we move forward as the Northern Illinois Conference, let us continue to support and celebrate our diversity by embracing all cultures and backgrounds. Let us stand with and support our immigrant siblings, recognizing their invaluable contributions and ensuring they feel welcomed and valued. Let us listen, learn, and uplift each other in faith. We are not alone in this journey.

We are stronger together!