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Rev. Luis A. Cortes Jr.
Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia
4261 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Work Phone: 215-324-0746
Email: lcortes@nueva.org
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For Rev. Luis Cortes, Executive Director of the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia, PA and the President of Nueva Esperanza, the motivation for ministry is a belief in Jesus Christ that brings missionaries and supporters together. "We do what we do because God asks us to, in the name of Christ," says Cortes. "Each week American Baptists from across the country send us cards letting us know that they care about our efforts and sending their prayer support."
First founded in 1981, the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia is an ecumenical organization which focuses on pastoral fellowship, clergy education, and community advocacy. They speak out regarding civil rights issues, such as access to housing, employment opportunities, and law enforcement. In response to the Matthew 28 biblical passage, they founded Nueva Esperanza in 1988, an economic development corporation serving low-income Latino families in North Philadelphia.
"The idea was to create an organization to meet needs in a way that local churches could not do alone," Cortes explains. "It is the best case scenario--a group of churches working together." Nueva Esperanza's ministries concentrate on housing, job training and employment, a children's summer camp program, and education. Scheduled to open in 2000 are a public charter high school for 450 students and a junior college (in partnership with Eastern College) where an associate's degree can be earned using Spanish. In 2002 Nueva Esperanza has been chosen to work nationally through Health and Human Services; Compassion Capital Fund--assisting local Hispanic churches to respond to community need.
Cortes says that knowing that he is doing what God wants him to is the most encouraging aspect of his work. "That conviction helps me plow through the bad times," he says. "In good times, I rejoice that I am able to serve."
In addtion to his work with Nueva Esperanza and the Hispanic Clergy, Cortes chairs the National Hispanic Religious Partnership for Community Health, a White House initiative designed to get health information to Latinos. He was also a founder of the United Bank of Philadelphia, the city's first African-American bank.
Luis Cortes is married to Damaris Flores-Cortes. The couple are the parents of a daughter, Damaris Ines, and a son, Luis Antonio III.
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. candidate in economic development, New Hampshire College, Manchester, NH; M.S. in economic development, New Hampshire College, Manchester, NH; M.Div., Union Theological Seminary, New York, NY; B.A. in sociology, City College of New York, New York, NY
EXPERIENCE:
Associate Executive Minister, Philadelphia Baptist Association, Philadelphia, PA; Faculty Member, Urban Ministry, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wynnewood, PA; Founder and Director, Eastern School of Christian Ministry, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wynnewood, PA; Program Director, Inter-Religious Foundation for Community Organization, New York, NY; Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Became Executive Director of Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia and President of Nueva Esperanza, Inc. in 1988.
- Commissioned as American Baptist Missionary: 1988
- Ordained: October 1981
- Birthday: December 16
HOME MISSION HIGHLIGHTS:
The Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia includes some 45 participating churches in the city.
Nueva Esperanza's housing and economic development work has helped over 1200 low-income families purchase their first home.
More than 125 women have moved from welfare to work through Nueva Esperanza's computer skills training program.
Hundreds of economically disadvantaged inner city children have enjoyed a week of summer camp at Nueva Esperanza's campground and retreat center.
To become involved in the work of Nueva Esperanza or to make a tax-deductible contribution in support of the ministry, please e-mail Luis Cortes at lcortes@nueva.org or call him at (215) 324-0746.
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