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Theology and Sexuality, Reproductive Health, and Rights
Latin American Experiences in Participatory Action Research
Church of Sweden Research Series
Edited by André S. Musskopf, Edith González Bernal and Mauricio Rincón Andrade
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
This volume presents a project of empirical research on issues of theology, sexuality, and reproductive health and rights. It was carried out by researchers from two theological institutions in Brazil and Colombia in close contact with the grassroots in various civil-society organizations. Numerous studies at twenty-six Latin American institutions on the relation between theology and HIV/AIDS prepared the way for this project. It promotes and applies methodologies for Latin American popular education and participatory action research (PAR). While the project was finalized long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Latin America and the world, the pandemic gave fresh evidence of the relevance of the project. The present volume is the English translation of the initial Portuguese and Spanish reports about the project, enriched with a new preface. The editors are delighted that this translation will help spread the vital insights from this research to a wider and global readership.
André S. Musskopf is Professor of Religious Studies at Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
Edith González Bernal teaches at Facultad de Teología de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bógota, Colombia.
Mauricio Rincón Andrade is professor and investigator at Facultad de Teología de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bógota, Colombia.
“This book proves that collective production of theological knowledge is not only possible but transformative. Challenging themes like sexuality, sexual health and rights, gender-based violence, and living with HIV are taken on with grace and care. . . . Through stories, process sharing, and theological reflection, the reader will discover that methodology matters—that theology can promote spiritually and socially liberating experiences, hope, and justice.”
—Marcia Blasi, Program Executive, Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, Lutheran World Federation
“This collection of articles enhances the discussion on sexuality, corporality, and gender roles among faith actors and communities. The articles deliver profound theological knowledge and are committed to the transformation of oppression and injustice based on gender stereotypes. . . . I recommend this book to be used as a resource to guide faith-based communities, leaders, and actors in the treatment of themes still often considered taboo in religious contexts.”
—Elaine Neuenfeldt, Gender Program Manager, ACT Alliance
“For centuries, issues of gender and sexuality have raised violent reactions from people in power, notably churchmen. In these times, however, the ideologically tagged ‘gender ideology’ has become a weapon for violence against feminists and other champions of gender inclusion on the lips (screens) of whoever feels threatened by equality. This book offers insights not only on the issues . . . but on how we can come together for the sake of those who need a liberating theological word.”
—Mercedes L. García Bachmann, Director, Institute for Contextual Pastoral Studies, United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Argentina and Uruguay