Core Values for the Mission and Purpose of the Latino Christian National Network

Respect

At LCNN we recognize, honor and approach with admiration and healthy curiosity the history, identity, and experience of others, especially those who are different from us in terms of culture, religion, traditions, and life experiences. We try to put ourselves in their shoes, understand their perspectives and genuinely learn in horizontal dialogue. We appreciate differences and encourage open communication between different positions in the pursuit of harmony. We recognize that in various situations, only a spirit of reconciliation and the search for forgiveness will bring healing and restoration to our differences.

Diversity

At LCNN we value diversity in ethnic/racial background, thought and perspective. We are convinced that our identity is strengthened when we listen to a multiplicity of voices, traditions, and present experiences. Our vocation to interconfessional dialogue is an expression of diversity and calls us to honor the many denominations and traditions from which we come. We create space and welcome dialogue with all people, especially those who society has relegated to the margins. Ecumenical work is an expression of diversity and calls us to honor the many denominations and traditions from which we come. We open ourselves to discerning the voice of God when, in the midst of diversity, we find hope, healing, resilience and wisdom. We recognize that engaging in work with people different from us honors the Spirit of a creative and creative God.

Racism

We are committed to harmonizing our voices and efforts in combating racism in all its expressions, as well as upholding the God-given dignity of every child of God, name power dynamics affecting our community, and centering marginalized and impacted voices.

Inclusion

At LCNN we value inclusion because it encourages us to welcome everyone. Inclusion invites us to move from polite or purely civil to honest human relationships where authenticity is not only valued but encouraged. Inclusion invites us to change, provoking inner change where we pay attention to how we prioritize our agendas in favor of “the other,” how we organize ourselves in the mission and in the life of worship and nourish our spirituality. Inclusivity asks us to see the dignity of every human being created in the image and likeness of God with the love and compassion with which God sees them.

Servant Leadership

At LCNN, we promote servant leadership in the way of Jesus. It is based on humility and dedication. We understand that, rooted in the love of God and our fellow human beings, we seek to enter a place (community of the beloved) where we accept our personal limitations and Christian tradition and embrace the fragility of living in a world struck by injustice and personal sin and structural. In this awareness, we recognize that we are most effective when we work together to promote the Kingdom of God and seek to free ourselves from the illusions caused by the accumulation of power, titles, fame, arrogance, or self-centered individual agendas. We understand that Christian service does not always have to be a heavy individual burden to carry but that Christian transformation will seek to fill life with the grace and trust that comes with the company of Jesus and his community of love.

Biblical Justice

At LCNN, we promote the principles of biblical justice. The Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and the apostles offered from their context a clear and definitive articulation of God's purpose and intention that every human being be considered equally and that all have access to the necessary resources of creation to live with dignity and happiness. We believe that the work of promoting justice and equity in all spheres of life is an integral part of proclaiming the good news of salvation. This work is more effective when it is carried out together, overcoming what divides us and uniting our commitments, efforts, and resources.