VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 08/29/08) --Hispanic and Portuguese-speaking congregations of American Baptist Churches USA established The Alliance of Latino Churches at an assembly and organizational meeting in Orlando, Fla., in July with the support of National Ministries' Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III and Pastor Fela Barrueto, National Ministries' interim liaison for Hispanic and Portuguese-speaking churches.

A constitution and bylaws were approved by the 83 American Baptists who attended, representing ABCUSA regions where there is a great Latino presence.

Attendees also elected officers: Rev. Daniel Martinó, New London, Conn., president; Rev. Rubén N. Ortiz, Deltona, Fla., vice president; and Jaime Escobar, Elmhurst, N.Y., treasurer. The board will elect a secretary.

In addition, representatives from the five districts of The Alliance were elected: Rafael Gonzalez, Trenton, N.J. (Northeast); Rev. Dr. César O. Ayala, Miami, Fla. (Southeast); Rev. José Encarnación, Milwaukee, Wis. (Midwest); Daniel Ramírez, San Francisco, Calif. (Northwest); and Rev. Luis Zurita, Los Angeles, Calif. (Southwest).

Rev. Dr. Luciano Márquez Jr. served as assembly moderator; parliamentarian services were provided by Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos, and Pastor Carmen Echevarría served as secretary.

ABCUSA Hispanic and Portuguese caucuses were represented by their presidents, Rev. Amaury Tañon-Santos and Pastor Vanderlei Pinto, respectively.

Representatives of ABC of Puerto Rico--Rev. Dr. Cristino Díaz Montañez, executive minister, and Rev. Irma Gómez de Pastrana, president--attended as observers and a cooperative presence.

The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board provided lunch for the assembly that featured its executive director, Rev. Dr. Sumner M. Grant, as keynote speaker.

Also, the facilitating team that organized the gathering was acknowledged with gratitude by the assembly.

The Alliance (abbreviated as EFABH in Spanish) was the dream of Rev. Pablo Calzoncit, National Ministries' Hispanic coordinator until his death in October 2007. The first assembly was dedicated to his memory.

The Alliance will hold its first formal meeting at the 2009 ABCUSA Biennial in Pasadena, Calif.

National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, equips individuals and builds and supports networks such as The Alliance of Latino Churches to develop Christ-centered leaders and transform persons, congregations, communities and cultures.