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Latina Feminist Theology 

Lead Section: 

Latina feminist theology is an academic field of research and publication. It is a contextual theology that centers on the lives, histories, and day to day realities of Latin American and Latina women. With origins in the last decades of the twentieth century, Latina feminist theology builds on liberationist trajectories from the U.S. and Latin America to engage in critical reflection on specific structures of gender oppression. Among its sources are Liberation, Black , Womanist , and Latino theologies, as well as the work of Latin American and Chicana feminists. Latina feminist theology seeks a new understanding of God, church, relationship, justice, and equality, born of the communal struggles to elevate and redefine Latina identity. The tradition is prophetic as it envisions a new society which values all people regardless of class, race, or gender, that honors voices often silenced and suppressed. Latina feminist biblical scholars can also be encompassed within this rubric. Most Latina feminist theologians work within a Christian frame, but they come from many denominations. In the last decade Latina Feminist theologians have focused on the themes of environmental justice, gender and sexuality, and queer theology,

Historical   Background: 

Some Latina theologians trace the origins of the field to the writing of the 17th c. Mexican nun, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Considered a protofeminist this poet, philosopher, composer, and writer advocated for a women’s right to education and to be published. Latina’s from all backgrounds share a common history of colonization and domination. Historically silenced, there is an emerging prophetic voice of self-determination that challenges the kyriarchal domination system, thereby destabilizing oppressive structures, advancing a liberative vision of equality and justice. Origins to Latina feminist theology can be traced to Liberation Theology which arouse in the 1950’s and 1960’s as a moral reaction to injustice and poverty. Although important to the empowerment of Latino/a culture it did not take on the patriarchy inherent in society and the church.

Key Theological Concepts:

Mujerista Theology - A liberation theology inspired by the black feminists use of the word “womanist.” Ada María Isasi-Diaz, a Cuban-American theologian, coined the term Mujerista Theology in 1996 with the publication of her first book, Mujerista Theology: A Theology for the 21stCentury. The goal of Mujerista Theology is “to challenge theological understandings, church teachings, and religious practices that oppress Latina women, that are not life-giving, and, therefore cannot be theologically correct.” A liberative praxis where both reflection and action are employed in order to challenge and transform present oppressive structures.

La Lucha – A term meaning “In the struggle.” Latina feminist theologians seek to liberate and empower the marginalized, poor, and oppressed through the community of struggle. The struggle seeks to build open, non-competitive communities that promote the welfare of everyone especially the poor and oppressed.

Lo cotidiano – A theology based on the lived-experiences of Latinas as the source of liberative praxis. Lo cotidiano elevates the daily reality of the Latina woman as a way of knowing and understanding God; recognizing the revelation of God in the midst of communities and daily life. Appreciating and privileging the Latina way of seeing reality – insofar as the goal of their daily struggle is liberation.

Liberation Theology – A mid-20 th century movement of Latin American theologians challenging the sin of greed and expounding the biblical “ preferential option for the poor.” Liberation theology rejects all oppressive systems based on power and domination. A criticism of Liberation Theology, by Brazilian feminist theologian, Ivone Gebara, is that it did not challenge the underlying patriarchal structure of Christianity itself.

Biblical Interpretation – Reading the Bible from a feminist ethnic minority lens,

Latina Feminist Theology examines scripture with the understanding that the struggle for peace and justice is the core of the gospel message. Salvation theology is understood as the liberation from oppression. “Popular religion has provided the liberating principals of Christian faith to support and validate the grassroot people’s struggles of resistance and emancipation.”

Mestiza and Mulata – Latina feminist theology is a plural socio-political movement that embraces racially and culturally mixed people. There is a new understanding of pluralism that celebrates difference, and works to eliminate structures of exclusion. Latina feminist theologians are not looking for individualistic solutions but for communities that allow all people to flourish.

Queer Theory – A theology that seeks the face of God that will challenge the oppressive powers of heterosexual orthodoxy, whiteness, and global capitalism. Argentine theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid writes to liberate God from the closet of traditional Christian thought.

Holistic Ecofeminism – Ivone Gebara Brazilian Theologian writes of the planet as not just a place, it is our body. We must break the image of Christian anthropology as Human as Lord of creation (Genesis) we do not have the right to dominate, control, and possess.

Founding Theologians 

Marcella Alhtaus-Reid – Argentinian theologian. Professor Emerita (deceased)of Contexual Theology in New College, Edinburgh University. Her published works include IndecentTheology: Theological Perversions in Sex, Gender and Politics (2002) and The Queer God (2004).

María Clara Lucchetti Bingemer – Brazilian theologian. Professor of Systematic Theology at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica in Rio de Janeiro. Her publications include Latin American Theology: Roots and Branches (2016), Simone Weil: Mystic of Passion and Compassion (2015), A Face for God: Reflections on Trinitarian Theology for Our Times (2014), and Witnessing: Prophesy, Politics, and Wisdom (2014).

Ivone Gebara - Brazilian Catholic feminist theologian and nun. Leading voice on ecofeminism and liberation theology. Her publications include Trinidade: Palavra Sovre Coisas Velhas e Novas: Uma Perspectiva Ecofeminista  (1994), Longing for Running Water: Ecofeminism and Liberation (1999), and Out of the Depths: Women’s Experience of Evil and Salvation (translation, 2002).

Jacqueline Hildago – Chair of Religion and Assoc. Professor of Latino/a Studies and Religion at Williams College in MA. Her publications include Revelation in Aztlán: Scriptures, Utopias, and the Chicano Movement '' (2016) and Latina/o/x Studies and Biblical Studies, (2020).

Ada María Isasi-Díaz - Cuban theologian. Founder of Mujerista Theology. Her publications include: Mujerista Theology: A Theology for the Twenty-First Century (1996), En la Lucha: Elaborating a Mujerista Theology (1993; 2 nd ed., 2003), and La Lucha Continues: Mujerista Theology (2004).

Erica Michelle Ramirez-Erica Michelle Ramirez is a theologian who received her BS at Southwestern Assemblies of God University and is presently attending Drew University located in Madison, New Jersey working towards her Ph.D.

Carmen Nanko-Fernández- Carmen Nanko-Fernandez is a self-described Hispanic and Urban theologian. She received her MA and DMin at Catholic University of America. Most recently, Fernandez is Professor of Hispanic Theology and Ministry and the director of the Hispanic Theology and Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She is the author of Theologizing En Espanglish: Context, Community, and Ministry and contributed In Our Own Voices book.

Book 1 link: https://www.amazon.com/Theologizing-En-Espanglish-Community-Ministry/dp/1570758646

Book 2 link: https://www.orbisbooks.com/in-our-own-voices.html

Mayra Rivera- Maya Rivera received her BS Che, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. And MTS, PhD, Drew University. She is Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Religion and Latinx Studies at Harvard University. She is vice president of the American Academy of Religion. She is the Author of The Touch of Transcendence: A Postcolonial Theology of God Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Transcendence-Postcolonial-Theology-God/dp/0664230733

Marlene Mayra Ferreras- Marlene Mayra Ferreras is a Cuban Theologian. She currently lives in Redlands, California. She received her BA, La Sierra University. Marlene Ferreras is a Ph.D. candidate in practical theology at Claremont School of Theology. Her areas of specialization are spiritually integrative psychotherapy. Marlene holds a MS in martial and family therapy from Loma Linda University and a MA in theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the author of The University as a Maquila: Whose Voice, Whose Ideas, Whose Knowledge? “In Postdisciplinary Knowledge?”

Book link: https://www.routledge.com/Postdisciplinary-Knowledge/Pernecky/p/book/9780367179410

Lauren Francis Guerra- Lauren Francis Guerra is Angelina (Los Angeles) Theologian, she is of Guatemalan-Ecuador descent. She completed both her BA in Theological Studies and BA in Spanish Language at Loyola Marymount University. She began her graduate studies in Theology at the Graduate Theological Union completing an MA in Theology. She is currently serving as a lecturer at UCLA in the Department of Chicana/o Studies.

Xochitl Alvizo- Xochitl Alvizo received her B.A., Religion, University of Southern California and PH.D., Practical Theology, Boston University School of Theology. Xochitl Alvizo is assistant professor of Religious Studies in the area of Women and Religion and the Philosophy of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality. She is the author of _______ and___________.

Book 1: 2014 “Being Undone by the Other: Feminisms, Blogs, and Critique" in Feminism and Religion in the Twenty-First Century: Utilizing Technology to Expand Borders, eds. Gina Messina-Dysert and Rosemary Radford Ruether. (Routledge).

Book 2: In progress, “Introduction” for Sin Big: The Mary Daly Reader, eds. Jennifer Rycenga and Linda Barufaldi (NYU Press), forthcoming Fall 2016

Altagracia Pérez-Bullard- Altagracia Pérez- Bullard is the Director of Contextual Ministry and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology. Her areas of expertise include practical theology, Latinx ministry, congregational development, education psychology, youth development, and community organizing. Pérez-Bullard holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from Claremont School, CA and M.Div. and STM from Union Theological Seminary, New York and B.S. in Educational Psychology from New York University.

Leila M. Ortiz- The Rev. Leila M. Ortiz is a pastor and Theologian in The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and serves as the Bishop of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod. Leila is also a doctoral candidate at United Lutheran Seminary of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Systematic/Contemporary Theology.

Melissa Ortiz Barry

Graduate of Claremont Graduate University

Theresa L. Torres- Theresa L.Torres is a second generation Mexican American. She completed her doctoral studies at Catholic University and is Associate Professor of Latinx and Latin American Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her area of studies is in the field of religion and culture with special emphasis on Latinx in the United States. She is the auhor of The Paradox of Latina Religious Leadership in the Catholic Church: Las Guadalupanas of Kansas City 2013th Edition

= Book link: =

= https://www.palgrave.com/us/search?query=The+Paradox+of+Latina+Religious+Leadership+in+the+Catholic+Church%3A+Las+Guadalupanas+of+Kansas+City+2013th+Edition = Neomi De Anda- Neomi De Anda is a Tejana Theologian. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton. She holds a Ph.D. in Constructive Theology. She also currently holds the position of President-Elect for the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. She is the Author of _________. Book 1 book chapter:   https://www.amazon.com/Teologia-Conjunto-Collaborative-Hispanic-Protestant/dp/0664256651

Rebecca Berru Davis- Rebecca Berru Davis is an Assistant Professor at Montana State University-Billings. She is also a University Lecturer in the Department of English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages. As a Hispanic Theological Initiative Fellow, she earned her degree in the area of the Art and Religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, in 2012 and subsequently completed a two-year Louisville Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.

Wendy Arce – Wendy Arce is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Graduate Theologian Union. Arce expresses that her interests include immigration and the family in the United States, religious expressions among new immigrants and the intersections of religion and gender in Latina/o cultures. She is currently located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cristian De La Rosa- Christian De La Rosa is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology and Practice, Director of Contextual Education and Community Partnerships. The Rev. Dr. Cristian De La Rosa received her PhD in Theology and Ethics from Chicago Theological Seminary where her dissertation focused on contextual dynamics of power and agency. She currently serves as the National Director for the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA), Administrative Co-convener for the National Association of UM Latina Clergy Women (ACLAMEN), as UM delegate with the National Council of Churches, and as a board member for the Hispanic Summer Program (HSP).

Ann Hidalgo- Ann Hidalgo specializes in Latin American theology and feminist and decolonial theory. She earned a PhD in Religion, Ethics, and Society from Claremont School of Theology. She studies liberation theology liturgies and musical practices that empower marginalized communities. Ann is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor, Mary P. Key Diversity Resident Librarian for Teaching & Learning.

Sylvia Marcos – Her publications include: Taken from the Lips: Gender And Eros in Mesoamerican Religions (Religion in the Americas Series)(2006) and

Women and Indigenous Religions (Women and Religion in the World) '' (2010).

María Pilar Aquino - Mexican Catholic theologian. Professor of theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego. Her publications include Feminist Intercultural Theology: Latina Explorations for a Just World (2007), co-edited with María José Rosado-Nunes; A Reader in Latina Feminist Theology: Religion andJustice (2002), co-edited with Daisy L. Machado and Jeanette Rodríguez; and Our Cry for Life: Feminist Theology from Latin America (1993).

FORGiNG VOICE: Conversations with Pioneering Feminist and Womanist Theologians

Nancy Pineda Madrid – Associate Professor of Theology and Latino/Latina Ministry

Theology Department at Boston College, MA. Her publications include: Suffering and Salvation in Cuidad Juárez (2011), Hope: Promise, Possibility, and Fulfillment ( 2013), and Holy Spirit, The: Setting the World on Fire (2017).

Elsa Támez – Mexican theologian. Professor Emerita and former director of the Latin American Biblical University in San Jose. Her publications include Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (2017), for the Wisdom Commentary series; Struggles for Power in Early Christianity: A Study of the First Letter to Timothy (translation, 2007); and Through Her Eyes: Women’s Theology from Latin America (1989, reprinted in 2006).

Other Theologians 

Michelle A. González – Cuban theologian. Her publications include: A Critical Introduction to Religion in the Americas: Bridging the Liberation Theology and Religious Studies Divide (2014), Caribbean Religious History: An Introduction  (2010), and Afro-Cuban Theology: Religion, Race, Culture, and Identity '' (2009).

Robyn Henderson- Espinoza is a Mexican Theologian. And is a theologian and ethicist based in Nashville, TN, which features work in the hybrid spaces of the church, the academy, and movements for justice. In 2009, Robyn began doctora l work at the U niversity of Denver/Iliff School of Theology studying constructive philosophical theology & ethics, & completed a graduate certificate in Latinx Studies. Her publications include, Activist Theology (2019).

Book link: https://www.fortresspress.com/store/productgroup/1354/Activist-Theology

Daisy L. Machado is a Cuban Theologian.Daisy L. Machado serves as Professor of Church History at Union Theological Seminary in New York. She holds a B.A., Brooklyn College; an M.S.W., Hunter College School of Social Work; a Master of Divinity, Union Theological Seminary, New York; and a Ph.D., University of Chicago. . Dr. Machado’s publications include numerous chapters in anthologies, encyclopedias, journals, and magazines. One of her  publications include, Of Borders and Margins: Hispanic Disciples in Texas, 1888-1945 (AAR Academy Series) 1st Edition (2003).

Book link: Of Borders and Margins: Hispanic Disciples in the Southwest, 1888-1942 (2003).

Lara Medina, (Xicanx) was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is a professor in the Chicana/o Studies Department at California State University, Northridge. She earned an MA in theology from Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and a PhD in history from Claremont Graduate University. Her publications include Voices from the Ancestors (2019).

Book link: https://uapress.arizona.edu/book/voices-from-the-ancestors

Jennifer   Owens - Jofré -  Assistant Professor and Director of the Latinx Studies Program at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. Her publications include: From the Pews in the Back: Young Women and Catholicism (2009).

Melissa Pagán, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Religious Studies at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Dr. Pagán is a lay Catholic decolonial feminist ethicist,  she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS), the Board of Directors for the Web Branch of Feminist Studies in Religion, Inc., and is a Co-Convener of the Latina/o Consultation of the Catholic Theological Society of America (CTSA). She holds a PhD in Religion, Ethics, and Society from Emory University.

Mayra Rivera – Puerto Rican theologian. Professor of Religion and Latina/o Studies at Harvard University and Faculty Chair of the Committee on Ethnicity, Migration, Rights. Her publications include: Poetics of the Flesh  (2015)  and The Touch of Transcendence: A Postcolonial Theology of God  (2007).

Theresa Torres, is a second generation Mexican American. She is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Sociology, and Latina/o Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City.She completed her doctoral studies at Catholic University and is Associate Professor of Latinx and Latin American Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her publications include The Paradox of Latina Religious Leadership in the Catholic Church: Las Guadalupanas of Kansas City ( 2013)

Book link: https://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9781137372192

Theresa A. Yugar - Catholic feminist Latina theologian. Her scholarly focus is on women and ecology in Latin America. She is the author of the book, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz: Feminist Reconstruction of Biography and Text (2014).

Melisa Marie Ortiz Berry, works as Assistant Professor of History and World Christianity at Northwest Christian University. Her present research projects include looking at evangelicalism globally through the ministries of 20th century women and her continuing work on borderland priest, Father Ramon Ortiz. She has her PhD in religion from Claremont Graduate University.

Socorro Castaneda, is an Assistant Professor in Religious Studies at Santa Clara University. She is also the co-founder of Becoming Mujeres, a program that offers seminars and workshops to Latina teens and their female caregivers. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from University of California, Santa Barbara. Her publications include Our Lady of Everyday Life: La Virgen de Guadalupe and the Catholic Imagination of Mexican Women in America (2018).

Book link: https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780190280390.001.0001/oso-9780190280390?rskey=Jqdm0j&result=1 or amazon link https://www.amazon.com/Our-Lady-Everyday-Life-Imagination/dp/0190280395

Nora Lozano-Diaz, is the Codirector Latin Leadership Institute, Professor of Theological Studies, Baptist University of the Americas.

Elaine Padilla, is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion and LatinX/Latin American Studies at The University of La Verne. She is a member of the American Academy of Religion where she serves in various steering committees, and a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America. She is currently drafting a manuscript tentatively titled, The Darkness of Being, in which she explores views on the soul with implications for race and gender. Padilla has also published several chapters and articles. Her publications include Divine Enjoyment: A Theology of Passion and Exuberance (2015).

Book link: https://www.fordhampress.com/9780823263578/divine-enjoyment/

Veronica Garcia, most recently finished working as a Church Assistant, which involved much responsibility, dependability, motivation, creativity, availability as well as organizational skills.. She graduated from Harvard Divinity School.