Basic Ecclesial Communities In Mindanao: A Call to Continuing Missiological Relevance

Karl Gaspar

Basic Ecclesial Communities In Mindanao

A Call to Continuing Missiological Relevance

Authors

Karl Gaspar St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute

Keywords:

Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference, Basic Christian Communities, Basic Ecclesial Communities, new way of being Church, pastoral thrust, inculturation, Muslim-Christian dialogue, martial law, conscientization, PCP II

Abstract

This essay revisits the history of the local Church of Mindanao-Sulu and how the BCC/BEC movement has evolved through the last fifty years. It follows 1) the history of the Local Church of Mindanao-Sulu from the late 1960s until today; 2) the setting up of the Basic Christian Communities (BCCs) as the core of missiological thrust; 3) the collapse of the MSPC framework owing to various reasons, primarily the ideological tensions and conflict that affected the Churches as martial rule became more repressive; and 4) the revitalization of the BECs following the mandate of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines.

Author Biography

Karl Gaspar, St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute

Dr. Karl M. Gaspar, CSsR, is a Redemptorist Brother who serves as Academic Dean of the St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI), based in Davao City where he also teaches Cultural Anthropology and Missiology subjects. He also teachers Anthropology at the Ateneo de Davao University Anthropology Department. He finished A.B. Sociology at Ateneo de Davao University, M.A. Economics at the Asian Social Institute and PhD Philippine Studies at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City. Among hs published books are: Manobo Dreams in Arakan (won the 2012 National Book Award for Social Sciences) and Desperately Seeking God's Saving Action (won the CMMA Cardinal Sin Award, Best in Ministry and Spirituality). His recent books are A Hundred Years of Gratitude, and Panagkutay: Anthropology Interfacing Theology in the Mindanao Uplands.

Basic Ecclesial Communities In Mindanao: A Call to Continuing Missiological Relevance