Congratulating Tony De La Rosa and the Presbyterian Mission Agency

The Covenant Network of Presbyterians expresses its congratulations and support for the Presbyterian Mission Agency as it announces the appointment of Ruling Elder Luis Antonio (Tony) De La Rosa as Interim Executive Director.Besides recognizing Tony’s outstanding qualifications for the position, we celebrate all that the selection of a married, openly gay Latino person means for the church in this moment, and especially for the LGBTQ and racial/ethnic communities within it.  Just a few years ago, ordaining or installing Tony as an elder could have triggered a judicial process under the church’s Rules of Discipline. Today, we can celebrate that his gifts are being put into service in one of the most critical roles in the denomination at a crucial moment. Through our 226 years, our denomination has struggled to reflect the cultural and racial diversity of the society in which we serve; today, a Latino man with a lifetime of service to the church takes the helm of our worldwide mission operation.Beyond celebrating these important symbolic truths, we join with others in hopeful prayer for the significant work ahead for Tony, his staff colleagues, the Board of the agency and the whole church. These are momentous days in our journey toward being an ever more just and generous church, and the Presbyterian Mission Agency plays a vital role on that journey. May God bless Tony De La Rosa in his leadership, and all of us in our witness to God’s love.The Rev. Randall Bush, Co-Moderator of the Board of DirectorsThe Rev. Marci Auld Glass, Co-Moderator of the Board of DirectorsThe Rev. Brian Ellison, Executive Director