Disciples Reaffirm Partnership in Puerto Rico
Reaffirming Partnership in Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Leaders from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada convened in Bayamón on October 21, 2025, for a Joint Commission meeting that affirmed longstanding partnership and charted a collaborative path. The meeting provided space for mutual updates, reflection, and planning for future collaboration in areas such as evangelism, Christian education, and social service. Delegates agreed to form working groups addressing institutional memory, chaplaincy, migration, and mission strategies, and to draft a joint statement on the immigration crisis. The gathering celebrated more than four decades of shared ministry and renewed commitment to faithful cooperation in responding to the needs of today’s world.
The U.S. and Canada delegation was led by Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, alongside distinguished representatives:
- Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable, President and CEO, Disciples Overseas Ministries
- Rev. Chris Dorsey, President and CEO, Disciples Home Missions
- Rev. Lori Tapia, National Pastor and President, Obra Hispana
Consultants included:
- Rev. John Powell, Interim President and CEO, Disciples Church Extension Fund
- Rev. Matt Rosine, President, Christian Church Foundation
- Rev. Dr. Gilberto Collazo, Vice President, Disciples Church Extension Fund
- David Giron, Global Relations Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Global Ministries
The Puerto Rico delegation was led by General Pastor Rev. Hilda Robles and included vital members:
- Rev. Hilda E. Robles Florán, General Pastor
- Rev. Fernando Barbosa Álvarez, Moderator
- Rev. Luis Felipe Ramos Román, Assistant General Pastor for Christian Education
- Rev. Sary Nitza Rosario Ferreira, Assistant General Pastor for Family Life and Pastoral Care
Consultant participation included:
- Rev. Samuel Anza Berríos, President, Overseas Missions Committee
The meeting provided a forum to exchange updates on the life and ministries of each church, to assess shared challenges, and to identify concrete areas for collaboration. Delegates affirmed the Joint Commission’s historic role—first convened in Bayamón on November 1, 1980—in sharing resources, recommending cooperative projects in evangelism, Christian education, and social services, and prioritizing mission work beyond national borders.
Participants agreed to establish working groups to advance priorities including institutional memory and governance, chaplaincy, human mobility, and mission strategies. The delegations also committed to drafting a joint statement addressing the current immigration crisis. A virtual convening is planned for next year so working groups can report progress and coordinate next steps.
This meeting reaffirms both churches’ commitment to mutual support, shared witness, and sustained partnership. Delegates left encouraged by a spirit of continuity and hopeful about deepening collaboration that honors history while responding faithfully to present needs.
