AETH is grateful for the leadership and contributions of Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier as its Executive Director. After two fruitful and productive years in this position, Dr. Conde-Frazier has discerned a new season in her life and ministry and has submitted a thoughtful and gracious letter of resignation as Executive Director effective December 31, 2023. In her letter, Dr. Conde-Frazier expressed her joy for the opportunity to have served in this leadership position and for the many things accomplished in these two years. Dr. Oscar Merlo, chair of the AETH Board of Directors, said, "Serving with Elizabeth is an enormous privilege. She is a wise theologian full of affection for the Church and the new generations. A visionary with open hands, always discerning the moment to pass the torch, and paint new horizons of theological formation."
Dr. Conde-Frazier has accompanied AETH since its inception in 1991. She has been a faithful and fruitful servant leader who brings her many gifts to contribute to the mission and ministry of AETH in theological education. Over the past thirty years, she has served in multiple roles, including educator, theologian, leader, mentor, advisor, officer, lecturer, founding program director, ambassador, advocate, interpreter, grant writer, and most recently as executive director. Her faithfulness, dedication, creativity, generosity and spirituality have made a huge difference in our work. We have watched her grow and she has helped us grow in the work of the Basel (kingdom), as she likes to say. During her tenure as Executive Director, Elizabeth has worked with others to reinvent AETH and set it on a path of stability and growth, creating the space and conditions to "pass the torch" to a new generation of leaders, a prayer and longing in her and in our hearts.
Elizabeth is retiring, but not retiring. She will remain active in AETH as a strategic advisor, supporting the work of ReDET, and will continue to support the new generation of established and emerging Latino leaders. Reflecting on her experiences and hopes, she said, "During these last few years, I have seen a new interest in theological education among our church leaders and young leaders who have been encouraged to create projects that respond to the times, making the voice of Latino churches stronger. I have also seen more traditional institutions reaching out to the Latino community in ways that allow the opportunity to decolonize our previous relationships. My hope is that AETH will continue to be the network where leaders can dream, collaborate and co-create."
The Board of Directors expresses its deepest gratitude to God for the person, ministry and leadership of Dr. Conde-Frazier. We will invite the community to honor Elizabeth at a special event in December. In the meantime, we ask three things of our members and supporters. First, contact Elizabeth to express words of thanks and support. Second, continue to participate in the various activities and programs that will take place over the next six months. Finally, actively participate in the search process for the new Executive Director by praying for the Search Committee and recommending qualified candidates as the search process begins.
Óscar Merlo , Ph.D. Luis R. Rivera, Th.D.
Chairman, Board of Directors Chairman, Search Committee