HTI Open Plaza is an online platform within the Hispanic Theological Initiative that amplifies the voices of diverse thinkers and scholars in the public square.
In this episode of OP Talks, Dr. Felipe Hinojosa, historian, professor, and endowed chair for Baylor in Latin America, talks with Dr. Gina M. Pérez, cultural anthropologist, professor and chair of Comparative American Studies at Oberlin, about her recent book Sanctuary People: Faith-based Organizing in Latina/o Communities (NYU Press, 2024).
Drawing from historical activist communities in Northeast Ohio, particularly Lorain, and their mobilization efforts following the impact of Hurricane Maria on the Puerto Rican diaspora, to broader national responses, Dr. Pérez argues that sanctuary practices as expressions of care communities reveal that sanctuary people are “not born…but continually made through decisions, big and small…How do you live with your faith? How do you respond to injustice?” This discussion highlights the ongoing effort and commitment required to become a sanctuary person.
6 Feb 2025
Prayers for the New Year II
In this episode of OPTalks, the HTI community and friends offer prayer and song as expressions of gratitude and strength, to offer company, in praise of peace and love.
16 Jan 2025
Walking You Home
In this episode of OPTalks, spiritual care counselor Reverend David Ramos shares his experiences providing pastoral and chaplaincy support at VNS Health, formerly Visiting Nurse Services, during the COVID-19 pandemic in NYC.
The dialogue delves into the challenges pastors and chaplains faced as they navigated trauma, fear, and grief within their communities during a time of widespread illness, political unrest, and societal distress. Rev. Ramos highlights the unique struggles of pastoral work at this time, from dealing with congregational fears around death to addressing the theological dilemmas raised by a pandemic that forced many to confront mortality in profound ways. The conversation also addresses the role of spiritual care counselors, as distinguished from traditional chaplaincy, to emphasize a broader, more inclusive approach to spiritual support, particularly for individuals facing end-of-life. The conversation describes the spiritual dimensions of care and the human need for meaning in times of crisis.
Rev. Ramos offers that, “...the pandemic’s a host of a lot of different things. You know, we're talking about the heels of the George Floyd protests, there's a lot of political chaos that is happening during that season of people who have been traumatized by social upheaval as well as death. Interestingly enough, what happens to many pastors, some of the pastors were bred within a triumphalist theology… and now they're dealing with death, death and dying, at untold levels that we are still trying to wrap ourselves around.”
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Contact HTI Open Plaza
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of HTI Open Plaza?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
