Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians

Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians is a theological organization that was formed in 1976 by theologians from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including James Cone, Gustavo Gutiérrez, and Juan Luis Segundo. The organization was established to promote liberation theology and to provide a platform for theologians from the Third World to share their perspectives and experiences. The association has been influenced by the works of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin, and has been shaped by the theological contributions of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Tillich, and Reinhold Niebuhr. The organization has also been inspired by the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

● History

The history of the organization is closely tied to the development of liberation theology in the 1960s and 1970s, which was influenced by the Medellín Conference and the Puebla Conference. The association was formed in response to the perceived dominance of Western theology and the need for a more contextual and relevant theology that addressed the concerns of the Third World. The organization's early years were marked by the participation of theologians such as Leonardo Boff, Clodovis Boff, and José Míguez Bonino, who were influenced by the Second Vatican Council and the World Council of Churches. The association has also been shaped by the theological contributions of Desmond Tutu, Beyers Naude, and Allan Boesak, who were involved in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

● Objectives and Mission

The objectives and mission of the organization are centered on promoting liberation theology and providing a platform for theologians from the Third World to share their perspectives and experiences. The association aims to challenge the dominant Western theology and to develop a more contextual and relevant theology that addresses the concerns of the Third World. The organization's mission is also influenced by the principles of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, as reflected in the works of Hans Küng, Karl Rahner, and Wilfred Cantwell Smith. The association has been involved in various initiatives, including the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women, which was launched by the World Council of Churches and supported by organizations such as the National Council of Churches and the Catholic Church.

● Membership and Structure

The membership and structure of the organization are diverse and inclusive, with theologians from Africa, Asia, and Latin America participating in the association. The organization has a decentralized structure, with regional and national chapters that are autonomous and self-governing. The association has been influenced by the principles of participatory democracy and grassroots organizing, as reflected in the works of Paulo Freire and Orlando Fals Borda. The organization's membership includes theologians such as Kwame Bediako, Lamin Sanneh, and Mercy Amba Oduyoye, who have been involved in various initiatives, including the African Independent Churches and the Asian Christian Conference.

● Theological Perspectives

The theological perspectives of the organization are diverse and eclectic, reflecting the different contexts and experiences of the theologians involved. The association has been influenced by the principles of liberation theology, which emphasizes the importance of social justice and human rights. The organization's theological perspectives are also shaped by the contributions of feminist theology, black theology, and indigenous theology, as reflected in the works of Rosemary Radford Ruether, Delores Williams, and Vine Deloria Jr.. The association has been involved in various initiatives, including the Ecumenical Association of African Theologians and the Asian Theological Conference, which have been supported by organizations such as the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church.

● Major Conferences and Events

The organization has hosted several major conferences and events, including the First EATWOT Conference in Dar es Salaam in 1976, which was attended by theologians such as James Cone and Gustavo Gutiérrez. The association has also hosted conferences in Accra in 1980, Bangalore in 1984, and Harare in 1992, which were attended by theologians such as Kwame Bediako and Mercy Amba Oduyoye. The organization's conferences have been supported by organizations such as the World Council of Churches, the Catholic Church, and the National Council of Churches. The association has also been involved in various initiatives, including the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women and the Asian Christian Conference.

● Impact and Influence

The impact and influence of the organization have been significant, with the association playing a key role in promoting liberation theology and providing a platform for theologians from the Third World to share their perspectives and experiences. The organization's influence can be seen in the work of theologians such as Desmond Tutu, Beyers Naude, and Allan Boesak, who were involved in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The association's impact can also be seen in the development of feminist theology, black theology, and indigenous theology, as reflected in the works of Rosemary Radford Ruether, Delores Williams, and Vine Deloria Jr.. The organization has been recognized by institutions such as the University of Geneva, the University of Tubingen, and the Pontifical Urban University, which have supported the association's initiatives and conferences. Category:Christian organizations