General Commission on Religion and Race | May 13, 2026
Washington, D.C. — El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry and the broader United Methodist connection celebrate the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz to serve at Neighborhood Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Neighborhood Church recently announced the exciting transition, sharing with its congregation: "We get to welcome new leadership! We can expect the incredible Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz in the building in October as she finishes up projects!"
The Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz (Courtesy Photo)
The Rev. Dr. Muñoz has served as executive director of El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, where her visionary leadership, pastoral heart, theological depth, and commitment to cultivating lay and clergy leadership have strengthened Hispanic/Latino ministries across the denomination. We celebrate the fruit of her labor and look forward with excitement to her continued leadership in helping launch GCORR's Public Theology Cohort in August.
Throughout her tenure, Rev. Dr. Muñoz has expanded opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, intercultural ministry, and theological formation. Her work has consistently reflected a deep commitment to acompañamiento, belonging, and the flourishing of Hispanic/Latino communities throughout The United Methodist Church.
"Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz brings extraordinary gifts of leadership, wisdom, pastoral care, and prophetic vision," shared Bishop Robin Dease. "Her ability to inspire leaders, nurture communities, and cast vision for the future has made a lasting impact on the church. Neighborhood Church is receiving a faithful servant leader whose ministry embodies grace, courage, and hope."
As Rev. Dr. Muñoz continues to share her gifts with Neighborhood Church and prepares for this new season of ministry, El Plan leadership wants to assure churches, lay leaders, and ministry partners that the mission and work of El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry will continue moving forward with strength, clarity, and purpose.
El Plan remains deeply committed to supporting lay ministries, leadership development, and the ongoing vitality of Hispanic/Latino congregations and communities throughout the connection. Dr. Muñoz will assist with the transition in order that current acompañamiento congregational initiatives, partnerships, and leadership formation efforts continue as El Plan builds upon the strong foundation her leadership established.
The connectional nature of our church also ensures that Dr. Muñoz will be able to continue championing the mission of El Plan and GCORR through the work of the local church, her lifetime membership of MARCHA, and her connections throughout the broader United Methodist familia.
El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry is committed to strengthening, resourcing, and expanding Hispanic/Latino ministries within The United Methodist Church through leadership development, lay empowerment, theological formation, and connectional partnerships.
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is the antiracism agency of The United Methodist Church, working to equip the Church to lead in matters of race, culture, and equity. Through vital conversations, institutional equity, and intercultural competence, GCORR helps foster a more just and inclusive Church for all.
Jeehye Kim is Senior Director of Communications and MarketingGeneral Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR).