Figueroa Cites Oppression of Female Pastors

The only female presenter at the Latino Pentecostal Theological Summit, Dr. Miriam Figueroa, spoke on the oppression of female pastors in the Puerto Rican Church of God and in the Church of God worldwide. 

“I am used to being invisible. The one with no voice … but today the oppressed becomes the hero of justice,” Figueroa said.

Figueroa is a pastor in Agua Buenas, Puerto Rico. After her son-in-law challenged her to present her lecture, Figueroa chose to give it in English. A translator interpreted into Spanish for the audience. 

Her presentation drew from research completed for her doctoral dissertation.

“My research explored the conflict of women in the pastoral ministry of the Church of God in general, and the Church of God Missions Board in Puerto Rico,” Figueroa said. 

During her research, Figueroa interviewed female pastors. Her main question was, “Can you share your understanding of the theology of women’s ministry?”

Figueroa said the female pastors also stated they felt “selected by God” to serve in their current role. 

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