The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia has called the Rev’d Edgar Otero to serve as its new Minister for Hispanic/Latino Communities, beginning Sept. 1. Otero will work with leaders across the diocese to strengthen and implement strategies for evangelism, leadership development, and church growth in this important area of ministry.
His responsibilities include collaborating on Spanish-language discernment and formation processes for ordained ministry, supporting existing Spanish-speaking and bilingual congregations, and identifying new mission opportunities across the diocese.
Otero comes to the diocese from the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, where he has served as Rector of Christ Church Episcopal in Norcross, Ga. He brings extensive experience in bilingual parish leadership, pastoral care, chaplaincy, and youth formation.
He holds a Master of Divinity and Anglican Studies Certificate from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.
“Edgar brings a deep pastoral heart, proven administrative skills, and a clear passion for relational evangelism to this critical role,” said the Rt. Rev’d E. Mark Stevenson, Bishop Diocesan. “As our diocese seeks to love Jesus, embody justice, and be disciples, expanding our commitment to and partnership with our Latino and Hispanic communities is essential. I am thrilled to welcome Edgar to our diocesan staff and know his ministry will be a rich blessing to our congregations.”
Otero will report to the Rev’d Canon Dr. J. Lee Hill Jr., Canon to the Ordinary and Dean of the Diocesan Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing.
“I am delighted to welcome Edgar to our team as we work together to strengthen, equip, and grow our Latino and Hispanic ministries across the diocese,” Hill said. “Edgar’s extensive experience in bilingual formation, parish leadership, and community engagement makes him exceptionally well-suited to partner with existing leaders, develop future lay and ordained leaders, and help build sustainable worshiping communities.”
The diocese’s ministry to Hispanic and Latino neighbors began in the 1970s as a small outreach effort at St. George’s, Arlington. It expanded rapidly in response to increasing immigration from Latin America, and over the decades, this ministry has evolved to reflect the dynamic changes within the community and the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
“The Lord calls us to serve where the heart of the people beats, and so I go, trusting that the same God who called Abraham from his land, and called Mary to say ‘yes,’ calls me now to walk with the people of God in Virginia,” Otero said. “Here, faith and hope are not just words, they are the bread we share, the language that unites us, and the promise that God will walk with us, always.”
Otero moves to the diocese with his family. His wife, the Rev’d Marycelis Otero, has accepted a call to serve as Associate Rector at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Herndon, starting Sept. 1. The Oteros are moving to Northern Virginia with their two sons, Eliam and Edgar.