“I know I am a product of the Lord's work in my life.”—Rev. Carmen Hernandez
Rev. Carmen Hernandez feels that loving people transcend the power of religion. Although she experienced a religious upbringing, it was a close associate who led her to her life’s work helping others. “A good friend of mine who passed away at age 25 from leukemia introduced Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, and my life has not been the same,” she says.
She grew up Catholic in The Bronx but was ordained as a youth community pastor in 1997 by Bishop Elizabeth Gomez from the Gathering Place Global Ministries. She explains how she was not ordained by a church, but rather, by a Christian organization. After her ordination, she came out publicly as a lesbian.
Rev. Hernandez spreads the good news and God’s graces “all the time and anywhere” –– she refers to herself as a “lesbian minister” and a “business preacher.” In addition to her religious vocation, she is an advocate for LGBTQ rights, and founder of the NYC LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, based in The Bronx. Currently, she is working on becoming a fully ordained minister, so she can one day open a church in her community.
The Reverend elaborates on how religion is different from loving and caring for other people. “Religion needs to stop playing God,” she says. “Everyone including the LGBTQ community should be accepted for who they are.” She hopes that LGBTQ churches in New York City and around the world can be more visible and embraced by others. “Religion is just a practice to help us get closer with God.” But churches or a denomination don’t necessarily bond a person with the Lord or any belief system. She explains, “Religion can be destructive, but God’s love is unconditional.”
Rather than religion, Rev. Hernandez’s work with at-risk youth may be her true calling. “My prayer is that people can see the Lord in me and what I do for others,” she says. “Then my job on earth is done.”
Tracy Kaler is our ground reporter covering The Bronx. Check out her website/blog at www.tracykaler.com.
From the Bronx
Reverend Carmen Hernandez:
Called by God and not Religion
by Tracy Kaler
THE CONNECTOR’S REGIONAL REPORTS