During the Latino Fiesta at the 81st General Convention on Tuesday, June 25, President Julia Ayala Harris, re-elected earlier that day as President of the House of Deputies, attended the event in the basement of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, KY. The Latino/Hispanic Ministries of the Episcopal Church hosted the General Convention Fiesta Latina to celebrate the diversity and growth of Latino ministry in the United States, Central & South America, and the Caribbean dioceses.
President Ayala Harris surprised everyone by awarding Canon Anthony Guillen the Presidential Service Award. She commended him for his dedication to uplifting and mentoring new and young Latino voices in lay and clergy roles. President Ayala Harris expressed gratitude to Anthony Guillen and acknowledged his role in making space for her and many others. She stated, “When I told people that today was going to be the president’s election day, some folks were expecting a celebration. But it’s a celebration not just for me; it’s for all of us here, for mi gente. Anthony Guillen said I am the one making space for others, but it is Anthony Guillen who made space for me and so many of us in this room.”
President Ayala Harris Remarks for Canon Anthony Guillen
Canon Guillen has been a dedicated servant to our Church and our community for nearly two decades. Since 2005, he has served as the Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries and later as the Director of Ethnic Ministries as part of the Presiding Bishop’s staff. His unwavering commitment has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of our ministry to Latino/Hispanic communities.
Anthony’s vision for The Episcopal Church is inspiring. He often reminds us that by 2060, one in three Americans will be Latino. He specializes in ministering to English-speaking children and grandchildren of Spanish-speaking immigrants, helping to build a multiethnic, multilingual, multicultural, and multigenerational Church. His work is a testament to his dedication to creating a Church that ministers effectively to the world we live in today.
As a deputy to the General Convention in 2000 and 2003, Anthony was a pivotal organizer of the Celebration of Diversity, bringing together deputies of color for the first time—an initiative that continues to foster unity and understanding within our Church. His visionary leadership in 2009 led to the development of The Episcopal Church’s Strategic Vision for Reaching Latinos/Hispanics, adopted at that year’s General Convention. Through projects like the diocesan seminars of New Camino and the Episcopal Latino Competency Course, Anthony has challenged and transformed how we minister to modern Latinx communities.
Anthony’s foresight in embracing digital evangelism has been ahead of many in our Church. Recognizing the power of technology and social media, he has been a pioneer in creating a network of “digital evangelists,” understanding the significant impact these platforms have within Latinx communities.
One of Anthony’s greatest gifts is his ability to recognize and nurture the talents of young Latinx individuals in The Episcopal Church. His dedication to mentoring has cultivated an exceptional community of ordained and lay Latinx leaders who are now serving and propelling our Church towards a brighter future.
In recognition of his outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community, it is my great pleasure to present Canon Anthony Guillen with the President’s Service Award. Anthony, your work has been transformative, and your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
Congratulations, and thank you for your extraordinary service to The Episcopal Church.
Declaración de la Presidenta Ayala Harris para el Canónigo Anthony Guillen
El Canónigo Guillen ha sido un servidor dedicado a nuestra Iglesia y a nuestra comunidad durante casi dos décadas. Desde 2005, ha servido como Misionero para los Ministerios Latinos/Hispanos y luego como Director de Ministerios Étnicos como parte del personal del Obispo Presidente. Su compromiso inquebrantable ha sido instrumental en dar forma al panorama de nuestro ministerio para las comunidades latinas/hispanas.
La visión de Anthony para la Iglesia Episcopal es inspiradora. A menudo nos recuerda que para 2060, uno de cada tres estadounidenses será latino. Se especializa en ministrar a los hijos y nietos de inmigrantes de habla hispana que hablan inglés, ayudando a construir una Iglesia multiétnica, multilingüe, multicultural y multigeneracional. Su trabajo es un testimonio de su dedicación a crear una Iglesia que ministre de manera efectiva al mundo en el que vivimos hoy.
Como diputado en la Convención General en 2000 y 2003, Anthony fue un organizador fundamental de la Celebración de la Diversidad, reuniendo a diputados de color por primera vez, una iniciativa que continúa fomentando la unidad y la comprensión dentro de nuestra Iglesia. Su liderazgo visionario en 2009 llevó al desarrollo de la Visión Estratégica de la Iglesia Episcopal para Alcanzar a Latinos/Hispanos, adoptada en la Convención General de ese año. A través de proyectos como los seminarios diocesanos de New Camino y el Curso de Competencia Latina Episcopal, Anthony ha desafiado y transformado la forma en que ministramos a las comunidades latinas modernas.
La previsión de Anthony al abrazar la evangelización digital ha estado por delante de muchos en nuestra Iglesia. Reconociendo el poder de la tecnología y las redes sociales, ha sido un pionero en la creación de una red de “evangelistas digitales”, entendiendo el impacto significativo que estas plataformas tienen dentro de las comunidades latinas.
Uno de los mayores dones de Anthony es su capacidad para reconocer y nutrir los talentos de los jóvenes latinos en la Iglesia Episcopal. Su dedicación a la mentoría ha cultivado una comunidad excepcional de líderes latinos ordenados y laicos que ahora están sirviendo e impulsando a nuestra Iglesia hacia un futuro más brillante.
En reconocimiento a su destacado servicio, liderazgo y compromiso inquebrantable con nuestra comunidad, es un gran placer para mí presentar al Canónigo Anthony Guillen el Premio Presidencial al Servicio. Anthony, tu trabajo ha sido transformador, y tu legado continuará inspirándonos y guiándonos por generaciones.
Felicitaciones y gracias por tu servicio extraordinario a la Iglesia Episcopal.
