San Juan, Puerto Rico – In a significant event held on January 28, 2024, the Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH) marked a milestone in its history with the installation of Dr. Jessica Lugo as Executive Director. The ceremony, hosted at the First Baptist Church of Canóvanas, brought together prominent leaders from the theological, academic, and ecclesiastical spheres, reflecting AETH’s important role in Hispanic theological education.
The ceremony began in a spirit of celebration and community. The pastor of the host church welcomed attendees, followed by inspiring remarks from AETH Board President, Dr. Oscar Merlo. Outgoing Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, offered a heartfelt message of support and transition, highlighting AETH’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
Dr. Justo González and his wife, Dr. Catherine González—highly respected figures in Hispanic theology—were also present, lending prestige and depth to the event. Their attendance underscored the importance of continuity and growth in theological education across generations.
During the program, there were official oaths and special prayers as Dr. Lugo formally assumed her new role. Her sermon, based on Matthew 8:1–4, reflected her vision and approach for AETH’s future, focusing on servant leadership and adapting to contemporary challenges by building bridges for responsible theological work.
The event also included musical moments that uplifted the spirit of those present, reaffirming the role of music and the arts in the life of the church. Attendees engaged in interactive dialogue, sharing ideas and experiences, which demonstrated AETH’s collaborative approach.
The event concluded with a call to action from Dr. Lugo, inviting everyone present—and the broader community—to actively participate in AETH’s mission. She emphasized the importance of working together to strengthen Hispanic theological education and its impact on both the church and society.
The significance of this event inspired reflections from renowned scholars such as Dr. Omar Palafox, who dedicated a blog post to share his thoughts on Dr. Lugo’s installation as AETH’s new Executive Director.
With Dr. Lugo’s installation, AETH begins a new chapter in its history. Under her leadership, the organization will focus on innovation and expanding its programs, while remaining committed to training leaders equipped to serve both the church and society.