Andrew Henderson's Proposal

Hispanic immigrants are acclimating in conservative, white churches throughout Kentucky. By focusing energy on a fast growing Hispanic community, churches are rejuvenating their declining membership.

Hispanics, the largest minority in the United States, account for around 130,000 people in Kentucky, and it is estimated that thirty to forty percent are still undocumented. All major historically white denominations are supporting their "evangelization" by converting Hispanics to Christianity. Within the United States, the average Hispanic's age is twenty-six years old, thirty years younger than the average Presbyterian's age. The Presbyterians, like the Pentecostal Assembly of God and other Christian denominations, are embracing this youthful crowd, thereby changing the face of white churches. The expansion of Hispanic churches is outpacing the decline in predominately white congregations. In the past year, Jehovah's Witnesses have founded twice as many Spanish language congregations (123) as English language congregations (65). Forty percent of the Roman Catholic Church's membership is Hispanic, and churches throughout the state have reacted by offering twenty-nine Spanish language masses.

Hispanics have affected religious denominations enormously, both Protestant and Catholic. In the life of Hispanics, religion plays a very important role. They are making their presence felt within Kentucky's conservative, white churches. Historically, Hispanics have deep roots in Christianity, coming to the United States with little more than their faith and trust in God. They hope for a prosperous life in the United States.

In Kentucky, the Hispanic immigrants, mostly from Mexico, typically work as farm laborers on tobacco, chicken, or horse farms. They seek better wages and a better life for their families, many of whom still live in Mexico.

Tobacco plays a very important role to the culture and agricultural economy of Kentucky, providing the state with more than $1 billion annually. On average farm laborers earn $7500 annual income or $150 per week. Of the one million farm workers in the United States, only 27,000 are unionized, resulting in their being denied overtime pay, medical insurance, sick leave, worker's compensation, and unemployment benefits. Thirty to forty percent of the Hispanic population in Kentucky are undocumented immigrants, a situation that can result in conditions worse than the average farm laborer. Religion acts as the bridge connecting their old culture with their new life in Kentucky, easing the transition.

The main focus of my work lies in the theme of religion, exploring its effects on the world, and the capability it has to link diverse cultures together, whether it be in a small village in Uganda or in the state of Kentucky. A documentary that focuses on Hispanics acclimating in conservative, white churches can raise cultural awareness and understanding within the United States. As religion in Kentucky includes more Hispanics, efforts should be made to document the new landscape. My location offers me an opportunity to begin immediate work on the photo essay.