the rev. roberto maldonado

St. Matthew’s, National City

Nominee’s personal bio: I am honored to serve as Vicar of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, National City, a position I have held for the past three years. During this time, my wife Leticia and I cherished being part of the vibrant, multicultural community of Saint Matthew’s, growing together in faith and service. My formal name is the Rev. Father Roberto Maldonado-Mercado, though most people simply call me Father Roberto. I was ordained a deacon in 1988 and a priest in 1989, following a career in sales. Since then, I have served in Puerto Rico, Philadelphia (PA) Fort Pierce (FL), Baltimore (MD), San Fernando (CA), Gresham and Tigard (OR), where I ministered at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Episcopal Church, Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, and as Metro-East Latino Missioner for the Diocese of Oregon.

In Oregon, I served on the Task Force to End Racism, the Commission on Ministry for Ordination, and as a Clergy Deputy to the 2018 and 2022 General Convention. Within the Diocese of San Diego, I currently serve on the Executive Council and EDSD Gun Safety working Group. I also served as Clergy Deputy to the 2024 General Convention. Family is central to my life. I have a daughter, Lucia Isabel, and in 2017 I married Leticia Ramirez Figueroa, gaining three wonderful stepchildren—Nirvana, Priscilla, and Gerardo. In my free time, I enjoy walking and exploring new towns with Leticia, reading, and following car racing (though now only as a spectator).

Looking ahead, my hope is that St. Matthew’s and the wider Church continue to be spaces of openness, honesty, and compassionate service. I strive to be a faithful servant of the Lord, bringing experience, energy, and a heart for multicultural ministry to every opportunity.

Nominee’s Statement in Favor of Their Candidacy: I am grateful to serve as Vicar of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, National City, a role I have held for three years. During this time, I have worked alongside our community to strengthen our ministries, embrace our multicultural identity, and engage in meaningful service in our community. St. Matthew’s now has weekly Spanish language mass at 12:30 pm and a monthly bilingual service at the 10:00 am service. 2025 has brought the additional challenges of shifting immigration policies and ICE activity. I walk alongside the community at St. Matthew’s, offering support and advocacy as we face these challenges.

Although still relatively new to the Diocese of San Diego, I bring nearly 37 years of ordained ministry experience in The Episcopal Church. I have served as a deputy to General Convention three times, as First Alternate Clergy Deputy and Second Clergy Deputy for the Diocese of Oregon. At the second General Convention, I served on Committee 11: Evangelism and Mission, reflecting two of my greatest passions. My third participation at General Convention was for the Diocese of San Diego. I currently serve on the Committee for Congregational Vitality and Data Driven Initiatives/HOB and the Taskforce on Translation and Interpretation.

As a Latinx priest, I seek to bring a sincere and grounded perspective to every conversation, rooted in the realities of bilingual and bicultural communities. If elected as a clergy deputy to the next General Convention, I would embrace the opportunity to continue the work begun at the last General Convention and to serve Christ through dedicated ministry to our diocesan family.