On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at the Starlight Event Center, over 650 leaders from across institutions in El Paso gathered as delegations to launch their campaign - "Reimagine El Paso." The action was hosted by EPISO/Border Interfaith, a long-standing grassroots community organization, dedicated to forming people to be active participants in the public arena.
Co-Chair Cindy Ortega of St. Thomas Aquinas told the delegations, "There is a word I learned recently - 'plasticity.' It means that things are not set in stone, they can change. We do not have to be resigned to the way things are- we are moldable and so is the world - we can change things, we can have an impact."
For the last two years, a group of 75 leaders from congregations, nonprofits, colleges and associations in El Paso conducted a broad listening campaign to hear about the issues most concerning to El Pasoans. Among the many issues surfaced, the most pressing were related to mental health awareness and access, the treatment of immigrants, the availability of good paying jobs and support for education, the impact of climate change on El Pasoans, and neighborhood safety and infrastructure.
"This is our organizing method- to listen, learn, and share," said Ms. Ortega. "Today, we’ll hear from our different teams- what they are learning on each issue, our stories, and our concrete proposals for reimagining each issue."
During the segment on immigration, Bishop Mark Seitz delivered the keynote address. Only days before, Bishop Seitz met with Pope Leo XIV, at which the Pope affirmed the dignity of immigrants and the urgency that the church not "remain silent" to the mistreatment of immigrants across the country.
(Bishop Mark Seitz delivers the keynote address.)
"What has happened to our heart? What has happened to the word compassion? Can it, where can it be found?" Bishop Seitz said. "Today, in this country and in this world, sometimes I wonder if I can even recognize our country. Because we were founded on these principles and our Statue of Liberty has stood where so many of our immigrants have entered as a sign of hope, as a place of justice."
After hearing from all teams on the Reimagine El Paso agenda, the assembly broke into caucuses to ratify the action proposals for 2026, including a civic academy on climate change, Mental Health First Aid trainings, and a study session on the city budget, among other action proposals.
(Members of the National Association of Social Workers caucus on next steps.)
During the caucuses, member institutions of EPISO/Border Interfaith also pledged their dues, to ensure independence of their organization and grassroots agenda. And a number of new institutions, including nonprofits, student associations, and congregations pledged their interest in either joining or in exploring membership with EPISO/Border Interfaith over the next 6 months.
(Marisa Limón Garza, Executive Director of Las Americas, pledges to join EPISO/Border Interfaith.)
At the end of the action, a number of public officials reacted to what they had seen take place during the assembly, including Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, State Representative Mary Gonzalez, and Judge Ricardo Samaniego. They and others committed to work with leaders as they organized their next steps for action.
Efren Loya-Gomez, Co-Chair for the assembly and a leader with Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Segundo Barrio reminded those assembled, "To reimagine El Paso is to see the face of every migrant, every student, every neighbor, and every person struggling in silence, and to affirm their God-given worth. It means creating spaces where all voices are heard, where compassion guides policy, and where hope takes root in action.
“Do not be afraid to be afraid,” he continued. "A gentle reminder that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. In facing uncertainty, challenges, or difficult decisions, it is precisely our fear that can guide us toward compassion, empathy, and meaningful action."
----------------------------------------
Photo Gallery of Reimagine El Paso, photo credits to Rafael Paz Parra
KVIA ABC-7 News: Reimagine El Paso, video
What has happened to our heart? Bishop Seitz calls for care of poor, migrants in address, Jeff Abbott, El Paso Times
Follow us on instagram!