Conference on Lived Theology &
Civil Courage: Speakers
Rev. Dr. Raymond Rivera
President and CEO of the Latino Pastoral Action Center Senior Pastor of Sanctuary Church
Rev. Dr. Raymond Rivera has been a community activist, pastor, preacher, and community organizer for more than 35 years. Presently, he is the Founder/CEO & President of the Latino Pastoral Action Center, which serves the Highbridge community in the South Bronx through its various holistic programs such as the New Hope After School Academy, a Welfare to Work program, Greater Heights recreational program, P.R.A.I.S.E. gang intervention program, GED/ESL/SAT classes, and its charter school known as Family Life Academy.
He has been instrumental in helping many churches start in developing their own faith-based nonprofit organization. With over $6 million operating budget and a staff of 200+, he has gleamed much from his years of experience and hopes to impact their communities. Responding to the need for a church that was holistic in mindset and action, he started a church plant called The Sanctuary three years ago and now has a membership of over 80 people.
The Latino Pastoral Action Center now operates 3 buildings with different programs, including LPAC House of Healing (Project Liberty Counseling Program), LPAC Liberation Manor (Transitional Housing for Homeless and people affected by HIV/AIDS) and LPAC Urban Ministry Complex (Main Building).