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A Critical Evaluation of the Potential of Liberation Theology to Renew

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A Critical Evaluation of the Potential of Liberation Theology to Renew A Critical Evaluation Of The Potential Of Liberation Theology To Renew The Irish Church Today Phil Brennan A Thesis Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Doctorate of Philosophy Waterford Institute of Technology Supervisor: Dr. Michael Howlett Submitted to the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, October 2013. "I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgment has been made in the text.” Signed: ____________________ Date: ________________ ii Abstract This dissertation examines the model of Church promoted in Liberation Theology with a view to anticipating the possibilities this unique ecclesial vision presents to the Catholic Church in Ireland. This branch of theology has its origins in the efforts of communities of the poor across Latin America to break free from the stranglehold of poverty and create a more equitable social order that reflects their needs and aspirations. Liberation Theology interprets the oppressive societal conditions that the poor have to endure in light of the liberating power of the Gospel message and provides the stimulus for those once consigned to the margins of society to become a collective force for change in the world. This thesis provides a probing analysis of the core theological convictions that underscore the activities of the ‘Communidades Ecclesiales de Base’ and reflects on the potential of this paradigm of Church to reverberate beyond the time and place of its genesis and generate a new momentum into the mission of the Church throughout the world. The aim of this dissertation is two-fold; to provide greater theological legitimacy to each defining feature of a Base Christian Community and to ascertain a deeper insight into how this dynamic of Church can be adapted to an Irish context. This dissertation is structured in accordance with the stated aims and the focus moves from determining the theological basis to this model of Christian community to examining how this ecclesiological vision can give renewed meaning and purpose to the activity of the Church in Ireland today. The Literature Review is integral to the process of establishing a theological framework against which the activities of a Base Christian Community can be more clearly understood. The research then widens the lens of theological inquiry to encompass the views of Western progressivist theologians and Irish social justice activists on the themes explored in the literature review. Theological inquiry throughout this dissertation develops in correspondence with rather than in isolation from the distinctive dynamics of these communities. The inquiry identifies the recurring patterns that exist between these diverse theological perspectives and illustrates how they combine to further consolidate the identity of a Base Christian Community. The research then explores how this paradigm of Church can be integrated into an Irish context. To achieve this, the researcher follows 3 distinct methodological routes; case studies with Irish social justice activists who call for a radical new departure for the iii Catholic Church in Ireland at this time, ethnographic research among members of Base Christian Communities here who have experienced first-hand the appeal of this emerging ecclesial dynamic and Action Research with a team of participants in Waterford who reflect on the process of initiating a Base Christian Community in the city. The goal of this phase of the inquiry is to give further clarity to the distinctive dynamics of a Base Christian Community and to devise specific strategies to advance the promotion of this model of Church in Ireland today. This research is built on the premise that reflection on action can provide the gateway to knowledge, and, as such, arrives at its conclusions in consultation with people who have direct experience of these grassroots Christian communities in Ireland. The researcher, in his role as reflective practitioner, adapts the findings that emerge through this stage of the inquiry to the activities of a Base Christian Community that he is actively involved in. This dialogue between theology and the lived expression of core theological principles grounds the inquiry in the practical considerations that are integral to the growth and development of these communities in Ireland. The concluding chapter of this thesis provides a synthesis of the theological understanding that gives credence to the activities of Base Christian Communities around the world and reflects on the implications of this ecclesiological vision for the Catholic Church in Ireland today. The research indicates how the Base Christian Community provides a template for a new way of being Church in the world, one that is animated by the creative energies of the people as they discover meaningful ways of bringing the Gospel to life in their communities. The conclusions call for a new climate of dialogue and consultation between the hierarchy and the people so that those on the fringes of the traditional ecclesial paradigm become integral to the process of renewal in the Church here. The research emphasises how Christian communities synonymous with the promotion of social justice discover in their solidarity with those on the margins those very qualities needed to sustain them through each phase of their evolution. In summary, the research offers a probing appraisal of the need for a more inclusive and more compassionate model of Church and points towards the role those once sidelined in the Church can play in making this happen. iv Acknowledgements The story of this dissertation has involved many people to whom acknowledgements are due. At the outset, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my Supervisor, Dr. Michael Howlett, Head of Department of Applied Arts in the School of Humanities, Waterford Institute of Technology, for his painstaking guidance and encouragement through each stage of the process that has brought me to this point. Without his attention to detail and unrelenting support, I cannot imagine this dissertation materialising. I am deeply thankful to him. This dissertation draws extensively on the living testimony of people who are committed to moulding a new style of Church in Ireland. The Christian Brothers in The Edmund Rice Heritage Centre, Waterford were unwavering in their support throughout this process, making their meeting rooms and chapel available whenever needed and giving me all the assistance and kindness required when my own reserves were waning. Their generosity of spirit knows no bounds and I am deeply indebted to Brother Kevin Mascarenhas, Brother Phil Ryan, Brother Pat Madigan, Brother Peadar Gleeson and Brother Steve Hale. These people testify to the spirit of their founder, Blessed Edmund Rice, in all that they do. It is indeed fitting that Waterford’s first small Christian community meets each month in Mount Sion, in a place synonymous with the empowerment of those who are voiceless and marginalised in the city. Special gratitude goes to the Action Learning Set who contributed so much to my research. Margaret O’ Rathaille, Eibhlin Coffey, Ann Hayes, Joe Dalton, Barbara Burke along with the Brothers brought great energy and vision to our discussions together. Our meetings provided the necessary stimulus for the action that followed. I thank them for their willingness to give so freely of their time and talents to help me in my research. Equally, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of John Kelly, Lesley Caldwell and Tara Heffernan, members of ‘The Omagh Waterford Peace Choir’, in helping to adapt the findings emanating from the research to the workings of the choir. This thesis draws its impetus and direction from social justice activists in Ireland who capture what lies at the essence of Liberation Theology through their tireless efforts to v reach out in solidarity to those on the margins of Irish society today. I owe an appreciation to these people which I cannot adequately express. Donal Dorr, Peter McVerry, Dennis Doyle, Maria McGuinness, James O’ Halloran, Ella Noonan, Catherina Ryan and Martin Byrne have left an indelible imprint on this research. Equally, the interviews with members of social justice groups and small Christian communities provided that vital ‘spark’ that helped to ground the abstract in the everyday and to visualise how the theory could find expression in reality. Each group brought their own distinctive style of Christian witness to the research and I cannot thank them enough for their willingness to embrace me as one of their own. To Claire Cassells and Bridie Clancy in ‘The Leixlip Parish Cell System of Evangelisation’, Gemma Peelo and Delores Connell in ‘The Crumlin Small Christian Community’, Yvonne Daly, Mary McQuaide and Gemma McKenna in ‘The Fig Tree Group, Fatima Mansions’, Francoise Barbier in ‘ATD Fourth World,’, Mary O’ Dwyer and Dave Donnellan in ‘Partners in Faith’; no words can convey my gratitude. Your resilience and compassion radiates far and wide, well beyond the bounds of this research. In a special way I thank my mother, to whom this work is dedicated. She has been in relation to this undertaking, as to my life, an abiding source of support and inspiration. Within a personal network of friendship and support are family and friends who have remained resolute in their support and in their belief in my endeavour. Dr. Helen McGrath, lecturer in University College Cork, has been at hand with expert guidance on the technical details of presentation and has been of great assistance in the design of the graphs that support the findings in the research. To Jim Sheehan, Alan Kinsella, Geraldine McGrath, Colin French, Elaine and Gary Condon, Drew and Linda Hamilton, Tom and Jo Fitzgerald, Gerry Horan, Sean McEvoy, Terry Leahy, Leo Walsh, Joe Funge, Declan Kelly, Don Devine and Fiona Reddy, I am deeply appreciative of your constant encouragement and for simply being there for me through each step of the journey.
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