Mananzan: In Philippines, theology rooted in social activism

Sr. Mary John Mananzan, feminist theologian, college president and social activist in Manila, told CTA audiences she believes "God is not concerned only about our souls." She recounted the time, at a rally against Shell Oil, she climbed atop a ten-wheel truck to speak to the crowd, and a man asked: "Aren't you a Sister? Shouldn't you be talking about souls?" Looking left and right, she retorted, "Do you see any souls walking around?"

"Our people confront overwhelming problems because of the Coca-Cola-ization and McDonald-ization of the world," she said. Rather than assume there are no alternatives, they can learn from those who have resisted, among them the Chipko Movement that saved forests when women literally embraced trees, and the Cordillera Women who, over a long time, chipped away at the foundation of what was meant to be the Chico River Dam. Finally, in a gesture of solidarity, they removed their blouses, so shocking the construction crew that the dam was never built.

Mananzan said the first principle of feminist theology is: That which degrades or abuses the full humanity of women cannot come from God. And liberation theology must always flow into liberating action.

CTA in the Far East

Church reform? Mananzan says there is no reform movement in her country; the focus is on just trying to be church with the poor. But there will be a Call To Action. She and Filipino priest-activist Lawrence Juarez left the CTA conference promising to go home and organize a CTA regional affiliate in the Philippines. If they succeed, it will be the first such unit beyond U.S. borders.