Courtesy Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
By Sisy Sannoh
A Perspective
One was founded in 1917, the other in 1991.
One is the official “Mexican Church” of San Diego with roots dating to the missions, the other is a suburban protestant church in a modern facility.
Even so, they have both found extraordinary ways to help people in need.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in San Diego’s Barrio Logan is a traditional Catholic parish in so many ways. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant stained-glass image of the Virgin Mary. There are wooden and plaster santos statues and a central statue of la Virgen of Guadalupe at the altar. Most of the expected visuals of an old Catholic church are present in all their ancient spirituality.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is traditional but has been forced to deal with very contemporary political and societal issues. Leadership is vocal about its commitment to outreach, compassion and advocacy for San Diego’s marginalized communities – particularly migrants. It is also a welcoming space for members of the LGBTQ community, reflecting a mission rooted in inclusion and the foundational Christian belief that every person deserves love and belonging.
In 2023 the church opened a migrant shelter that lasted a year and a half. It continues to support the migrant community, often pushing back against the political headwinds blowing out of Washington D.C. Father Brad of OLG says the church has always opened its arms to immigrants.
“So many people have commented that Our Lady of Guadalupe feels just like their church in their rancho (in Mexico),” he said. “(Parishioners) feel a sense of home when they come to the church. (We try to) adapt to the cultural reality of the people.”
Down the freeway in Chula Vista’s upscale Eastlake neighborhood is an evangelical church that has pushed beyond the conservative boundaries of Southern Baptism and American Protestantism. New Hope Community Church at first glance looks like a typical suburban church from a middle-class White community. Its worship style, teachings and setting reflect a more participatory approach to faith, without the statues or symbols that populate Catholic spaces.
New Hope does not have an on-campus migrant ministry, but it partners with churches and organizations that support those affected by immigration and poverty. New Hope contributes about 15 percent of its yearly income to humanitarian and social justice causes, according to Senior Pastor Rick Morris. It supports a children’s shelter in Tijuana that provides safety and recovery for victims of sex trafficking, he said, as well as a school in the Dominican Republic that serves poverty-stricken children.
When EBT funds were recently frozen, Morris said New Hope responded by donating food to less affluent City Life Church in San Diego, New Hope’s ongoing food sponsorships also help sustain City Life’s Mount Hope community and the migrant shelter located next door to their campus.
“We have a responsibility, as far as humanity is concerned, to help rescue those who are impoverished or in need,” said Morris. “We love our community. Whoever comes to this church should feel loved, accepted and have the freedom to worship.”
New Hope maintains an open-door spirit, welcoming individuals from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. The congregation does not identify as progressive, but Morris said God’s love is extended to all.
Our Lady of Guadalupe and New Hope differ in denomination and tradition but share a deep commitment to faith and community. Together, they reflect the diverse yet unified heartbeat of San Diego’s faith community.
