Faith as a declaration for justice

Miguel Alonzo Macias, head of rural development at the Jesuit Development Service [CAFOD]

For development workers, Miguel Alonzo Macias and Edwin Novoa, faith and spirituality is central to their work and their belief that another world is possible

“In my work, I believe that our faith obliges us to speak out for justice,” says Miguel, head of the rural development programme at the Jesuit Development Service in El Salvador.

“It is not enough to speak about our beliefs in words. We must also be part of building another world – making another world possible.”

His words are echoed by Edwin Novoa, director of the John XXIII Social Action Institute, that runs rural health, housing and education programmes in Nicaragua.

“We don't proselytise in our work, but the light of reflection from our faith helps us accompany poor people and help them gain more dignity in their lives.”

Theology of liberation

Both Miguel and Edwin attended a three-day meeting on theology and liberation at the World Social Forum. The event brought together academics, religious leaders and development workers who are acting out their faith through their work with poor communities.

Miguel says the theme of liberation has always been central to his work and is a core part of his belief that another world is possible.

“Liberation theology speaks a lot to me and has been a crucial part of our history in El Salvador. I think it is important to reinvigorate and reclaim a theology of liberation.”

Liberation theology has strong roots in Latin America, and emerged following the Vatican II council (1962-5) as the Church put an increasing emphasis on its social mission.

Liberation theology asserted that the gospel demanded not just changes in individual lives, but also changes to the structures that keep people poor.

“For me a theology of liberation means that God is walking with us and encouraging us to move out of the structures that oppress us,” says Miguel. “Salvation can't be about something out there, if you don't have daily bread to eat.”

“And if we believe that this life has to be the entry point for the kingdom of God and the kingdom of God is one of justice, then the banquet that God invites us to has to be for everyone, not just a few.”

Liberation of poor still relevant

However Miguel pointed out that, in recent years, the theme of liberation has been less prominent in the Church. “In the 1960s and 70s, people gave their lives to the struggle for justice. But there is less interest now, because people are so concerned about just getting enough to eat. In listening to the new cries of the poor, we need to show that the theme of liberation is still very relevant.”

Edwin said a similar process was needed in Nicaragua. “During the 1980s, Nicaragua experienced a celebration of liberation through the revolution against dictatorship. There was a great reaffirmation of the people’s church which favoured the expression of poor communities.

“This became weaker in the 1990s, but there is now a feeling of renewal. The structures of oppression in Nicaragua still exist and it will be crucial as a Catholic organisation to look at how we can connect people's faith with actions for justice.”

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