Nuestra Comunidad: Atlanta Episcopal church ordains Latina deacons

Robert C. Wright, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, during the ordination ceremony. To his left, Gregoria Betances and Irma Guerra. Johanes Roselló /MundoHispánico.

Robert C. Wright, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, during the ordination ceremony. To his left, Gregoria Betances and Irma Guerra. Johanes Roselló /MundoHispánico.

Two Latinas in Georgia who recently made history hope that their calling will serve as an inspiring example to other Hispanics.

Gregoria Betances and Irma Guerra became the first Latina women to be ordained as deacons by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. The next step in the process will be ordainment into priesthood, within the next six months.

Unlike the Roman Catholic church, the Episcopal Church ordains women as priests. For these Latinas, the milestone represents a great opportunity but also carries with it an immense responsibility.

“What I feel can’t be put into words, but it also weighs on you, because we have a huge responsibility, because we are paving the way for others,” explained Betances, who is originally from the Dominican Republic.

“I want to serve my Hispanic community, which has a need for leaders who can guide and accompany them through their difficulties,” she added in an interview with MundoHispánico.

Guerra, a native of Mexico, spoke about her plans to offer social services to Latinos in Georgia through her work with the diocese.

“I have a strong desire to serve the Hispanic community, above all immigrants who have difficulty finding someone to help translate or notarize documents. We are available to open an office where everything is free,” said Guerra.

Both Guerra and Betances prepared for their ordainment over a three-year period at the Theological Education Center for Latinos, an initiative established by the diocese with the goal of developing Hispanic Episcopal leaders.

Robert C. Wright, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, was in charge of the ordination of six new deacons, including Guerra and Betances. His delight in the events and what they mean for the church was evident.

“Today we ordained two Latina women who are going to help grow the congregation. I am very excited,” Wright told MundoHispánico.