May we be a community that denounces all forms of hatred and racism and seeks to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6:8)
This faith community is not an organization you join; it’s a people to which you belong. And in this gathering, it’s OK to not be OK, as none of us are perfect. Our desire is to be followers of Jesus, joining together across generations and cultures to seek the flourishing of our cities. We are a fit for people who sincerely want to follow Jesus, love people, and pursue justice.
We know that looking for a new faith community can be overwhelming, so we'd like to help you by telling you more about what you can expect when you consider joining us. Please see the information below, and feel free to contact us if you have other questions.
At The Passion Center, our mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to a Jesus and justice lens, ensuring that every action, teaching, and community effort reflects the radical love and liberation found in the life of Christ. But alongside this transformative framework, we also embrace both a mujerista theology and a womanist theology as guiding lenses to empower those who call The Passion Center their educational camp or faith home. Our Founder, who is Afro-Latina, and Pentecostally-rooted seeks to have this perspective at the heart of our work, ensuring that our community reflects the lived realities of people on the ground and remains connected to their struggles and triumphs.
Mujerista theology is a theology devoted to the liberation of Latina women, created by Ada María Isasi-Díaz, a Cuban-American theologian and pioneer in this field. At its heart, mujerista theology makes a preferential option for Latina women, centering their experiences, struggles, and stories in theological reflection. Similarly, womanist theology, championed by theologians like Delores Williams and Katie Cannon, centers the lives, wisdom, and struggles of Black women within the context of faith. Together, these theologies help us build a framework that is liberative, intersectional, and deeply grounded in the realities of Afro-Latina and other marginalized communities.
Our Founder, an Afro-Latina mujerista and Pentecostal, leads The Passion Center with a commitment to grassroots ministry that honors the voices of those who have been silenced, celebrates the power of the Holy Spirit, and challenges systems of oppression. Inspired by the words of Ada María Isasi-Díaz, “La vida es la lucha”—life is the struggle—we believe that theology cannot be divorced from the lived realities of people on the margins. For us at The Passion Center, faith is both a spiritual practice and a call to action for justice.
Mujerista and womanist theologies share deep roots in liberation theology, with an emphasis on centering the stories of the oppressed. While traditional liberation theology often focused on socio-economic realities from a male perspective, mujerista and womanist frameworks amplify the voices of women and their lived experiences. These perspectives challenge patriarchal and colonial narratives within theological discourse and empower communities to reclaim their faith.
At The Passion Center, this means that our work is Spirit-filled and grounded in the resilience of the people we serve. It means:
Centering Marginalized Voices: We intentionally create spaces where Afro-Latina, Latina, and Black women, along with others who have been marginalized, can lead, thrive, and share their stories.
Equipping Through Education: Our educational programs incorporate mujerista and womanist frameworks, ensuring that every individual is empowered to connect their lived experience with their faith.
Building Spirit-Led Community: Rooted in Pentecostal traditions, we foster spaces of healing, joy, and mutual support, where the Holy Spirit’s presence inspires growth and liberation.
Advocating for Justice: Faith is action. From grassroots organizing to theological education, we actively challenge systems of oppression, standing alongside those who are fighting for equity and dignity.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of these transformative theological frameworks, we recommend the following foundational texts and resources:
My Name is Mujerista by Ada María Isasi-Díaz
Mujerista Theology: A Theology for the 21st Century by Ada María Isasi-Díaz (Orbis Books, 1996)
En la Lucha/In the Struggle: Elaborating a Mujerista Theology by Ada María Isasi-Díaz (Fortress Press, 2003)
A Reader in Latina Feminist Theology edited by María Pilar Aquino, Daisy Machado, and Jeanette Rodríguez (University of Texas Press, 2002)
Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God-Talk by Delores Williams
Katie's Canon: Womanism and the Soul of the Black Community by Katie Geneva Cannon
Introduction to Womanist Theology by Stephanie Y. Mitchem
I Found God in Me: A Womanist Biblical Hermeneutics Reader edited by Mitzi J. Smith
At The Passion Center, we are committed to creating a space where faith, justice, and community converge, empowering every individual to live fully and freely in their God-given identity. By embracing the mujerista and womanist lenses, we honor the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of Latina and Black women while continuing to center Christ’s call to justice in all we do.