In this course, students will be introduced to theological-ethical perspectives from liberation traditions with attention to various cultural, social, ethnic, and political contexts that have emerged from historically marginalized communities, with a focus on the United States and Latin America. This course places scholars from various liberation traditions (Latin American/Latinx, Black/Womanist, Indigenous, Asian American, Feminist, Queer, Working-Class) in conversation with each other and highlights the necessary interrelationship between liberation theologies and liberation ethics. Theology and ethics from liberation perspectives emphasize the primacy of praxis (an ongoing process of reflection and action), challenging dominant forms, narratives, and normative assumptions that guide the status quo, raising different questions and seeking to construct alternatives to oppressive forms of social organization, religious, political and economic life. Throughout the course, attention will be given to practical applications for ministry in diverse contexts within the Episcopal/Anglican tradition as well as in ecumenical, interfaith, and community settings.
Instructor: The Rev. Francisco García is a PhD Candidate in Theological Studies, Ethics and Action at Vanderbilt University in the Graduate Department of Religion, and serves on the leadership team of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School as a Graduate Research Fellow. He also serves as an Assistant Chaplain for Justice Ministries at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Chapel in Nashville. Informed by his work in community, faith, and labor organizing, Francisco’s doctoral project involves the development of grassroots, social movement-oriented ecclesiologies outside of formal church structures, through an exploration of faith practices among Latinx/immigrant workers organizing in their workplaces and communities.