7 de julio de 2026

Bienvenida al Seminario Internacional de Teología

Introducción y Agradecimientos

• Sean bienvenidos a la segunda noche del seminario, que se centra en una teología de la naturaleza.

• Se agradece a las personas conectadas a través de redes sociales y emisoras locales que transmiten el evento.

• Mención de instituciones que apoyan el evento, como el Instituto Bartolomé de las Casas y Resucita Perú.

Contexto Climático

• Se reconoce un evento inesperado relacionado con el clima durante la organización del seminario.

• Un terremoto reciente en Venezuela y lluvias torrenciales en Brasil han afectado la energía eléctrica en varias áreas.

Participación Virtual

• Se menciona un intento de conectar con Leonardo Boff, quien no puede participar debido a problemas eléctricos.

• Boff expresa su tristeza por no poder asistir, pero muestra disposición para participar más tarde si es posible.

Tema Central: El Clamor de la Naturaleza

Preguntas Iniciales sobre Ecología

• Se plantean preguntas sobre cómo la destrucción de la naturaleza ofende al Creador.

• Reflexión sobre si es posible volver al Creador en una civilización que se siente superior a todo.

Metodología del Seminario

• Los panelistas tendrán entre 20 y 25 minutos para presentar sus ideas antes de abrir un espacio para preguntas.

Presentación de Panelistas

Primer Panelista: Nedy Astudillo Mazuera

• Nedy es ecoteóloga y pastora con formación académica en sociología y divinidad; ha trabajado en Green Faith para América Latina.

• Actualmente coordina un programa sobre justicia climática y fe, además de ser educadora en agroecología.

Segundo Panelista: José Manuyama Agüite

• Conocido como "el hombre del agua", Manuyama es defensor ambiental reconocido por su trabajo desde 2012.

• Ha sido destacado por su labor educativa y ha participado activamente en defensa del agua, siendo protagonista de un documental premiado.

Introduction to the Discussion

Welcoming Remarks and Context

• The speaker introduces José, co-author of "Piracema Académica," and welcomes Reverend Nedia Estudillo.

• Acknowledges the audience both in-person and online, expressing solidarity with people in Venezuela.

• Emphasizes belief in a loving Creator God amidst current challenges, highlighting hope as a guiding force.

Spiritual Perspective on Environmental Degradation

Faith and Environmental Challenges

• The speaker references Galatians 5:25, emphasizing living by the Spirit as essential for guidance.

• Shares personal journey as a Presbyterian pastor and ecotheologian, connecting faith with environmental stewardship.

• Discusses experience in sociology and ministry among immigrant communities, linking these experiences to ecological awareness.

Ecological Initiatives and Community Engagement

Programs for Climate Justice

• Describes starting an ecotheology program on a farm while serving an immigrant congregation.

• Coordinates an online certification program in climate justice and faith, supported by various Latin American seminaries.

• Mentions involvement with the Network of Faith for Climate Justice in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Addressing Cultural Limitations

Dualism and Structural Change

• Highlights limitations of individual actions like recycling without addressing systemic power structures that perpetuate crises.

• Critiques reliance on personal spirituality or church activities without fostering broader community relationships or structural change.

Call for Transformative Action

Beyond Charity to Structural Solutions

• Stresses need for transformative actions rather than mere charitable efforts to address environmental degradation.

• Advocates for structural changes that address root causes of environmental issues alongside spiritual engagement.

Opportunities within Crisis

Spiritual Growth through Environmental Challenges

• Suggestion that creation's beauty can guide efforts to protect life when viewed as an opportunity rather than just a challenge.

• Encourages utilizing spiritual gifts such as hope, service, redemption, and healing to engage actively with creation care.

Active Faith in Creation Care

Engaging Communities for Justice

• Calls attention to churches' roles in organizing communities where government support may be lacking.

• Emphasizes reconciliation between creation and God through active participation beyond church walls.

Interconnectedness of Social Justice Issues

Linking Environmental Justice with Other Forms of Justice

• Asserts there cannot be social justice without environmental justice; highlights intersections with gender and racial justice issues.

• Questions effectiveness of eco-friendly technologies if they do not consider exploitation of land or marginalized communities.

Conclusion: Crisis as Opportunity

Collective Action Against Climate Change

• Reiterates that addressing climate crisis requires collective action rather than isolated efforts.

• Encourages collaboration among individuals seeking solutions while recognizing God's blessing on all efforts made towards sustainability.

Interfaith Initiatives for Environmental Justice

The Role of Faith in Addressing Climate Crisis

• The existence of the interreligious initiative for tropical forests exemplifies how diverse faith communities can unite for environmental causes.

• Emphasizes the importance of forming groups, networks, and coalitions as part of a broader ecumenical or multireligious environmental movement.

• Highlights that 84% of the global population identifies as people of faith, representing approximately 6 billion individuals who could collectively address climate issues.

Understanding Climate Change and Its Impacts

• Discusses the potential impact if 6 billion people recognized their faith's connection to environmental action amidst the climate crisis.

• Covers various topics such as biodiversity loss, eco-theology, biblical foundations for environmental action, and social justice issues including racial and gender justice.

Organizing Faith Communities for Action

• Stresses the need to organize faith communities effectively to engage in climate advocacy and discern spiritual guidance on collective actions.

• Questions about collaboration with others feeling a similar calling and overcoming obstacles within these efforts are raised.

Recent Interfaith Gatherings and Outcomes

• Describes an interreligious meeting on eco-spiritualities held in Santa Marta, Colombia, coinciding with a governmental conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels.

• Notes that this governmental conference was inspired by discussions at last year's UN climate change meeting in Bethlehem, Brazil.

Proposals for Transition Beyond Fossil Fuels

• Colombian and Dutch governments initiated plans for a roadmap towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels during last year’s climate conference.

• Clarifies that the Santa Marta conference focused not on debating fossil fuel impacts but rather proposing actionable solutions from various sectors.

Inclusive Dialogue Among Diverse Stakeholders

• Unlike previous UN meetings where civil society voices were marginalized, this conference included nine sectors such as indigenous peoples and youth alongside faith groups.

• Over 150 faith leaders convened to agree upon steps necessary for achieving a just transition regarding climate action.

Transformative Spirituality in Environmental Advocacy

• A foundational message emphasized by faith communities is that true transformation requires more than energy transitions; it necessitates socioecological changes that challenge capitalist ideologies.

Recognition of Faith Sector's Role

• Reports that recent communications acknowledged the "Faith Sector" as crucial in constructing pathways toward sustainable futures beyond fossil fuels.

Collective Commitment Towards Solutions

• Reflecting on past efforts shows progress was made due to persistent commitment among diverse groups united by shared concerns despite differences.

Conclusion: Spiritual Challenges Amidst Environmental Degradation

• Concludes with an assertion that land degradation poses spiritual challenges which require active participation from all sectors to witness divine power through collective action.

The Impact of Climate Change and Human Responsibility

Understanding Climate Change

• The speaker highlights the severe drought experienced in Loreto, emphasizing that climate change is often perceived as an abstract concept, leading to denial among some individuals in power.

• Leonardo Boff's absence due to extreme weather conditions serves as a poignant reminder of the immediate effects of climate change on society and technology.

• The speaker warns that while some may not feel the direct impact now, the situation will worsen significantly if action is not taken.

Global Effects and Human Intervention

• Climate change affects different regions at varying times and intensities; there is a hope that proactive measures can mitigate its reach.

• Acknowledgment of serious global issues caused by human intervention, including political decisions and economic pursuits that prioritize profit over environmental health.

Corporate Accountability

• The oil industry is identified as a major contributor to climate change, alongside large corporations involved in deforestation across the Amazon and beyond.

• It’s emphasized that ordinary people are not solely responsible for environmental degradation; rather, it is large businesses driving significant harm through their practices.

Philosophical Reflections on Care

• The discussion transitions to Leonardo Boff's philosophy of care, which emphasizes human collaboration and solidarity as essential components of societal progress.

• This philosophy resonates with religious and humanitarian values shared by many attendees, highlighting its universal appeal.

Cultural Perspectives on Knowledge and Living

• Personal anecdotes illustrate how traditional knowledge about sharing resources fosters community well-being; this wisdom transcends formal education systems.

• The speaker contrasts hierarchical modern societies with indigenous cultures that historically valued equality over material accumulation.

Health and Sustainability Practices

• Indigenous communities possess extensive knowledge about nature that contributes to their longevity; this understanding promotes collaborative living essential for survival in challenging environments.

Conclusion: A Call for Awareness

• The urgency of addressing climate change is framed within a broader civilizational context; it stresses collective responsibility for planetary health amidst ongoing destruction driven by short-term interests.

The Interconnection of Life, Humanity, and Faith

The Urgency of Environmental Issues

• The speaker emphasizes the critical relationship between life, humanity, and God, suggesting that without life there can be no humans or churches.

• A stark warning is issued about global contamination leading to severe ecological damage, with 50% of ocean life already lost.

• Only a third of the world's forests remain; continued destruction poses an existential threat to life on Earth.

Collective Action for Environmental Defense

• The speaker identifies as part of a diverse interfaith movement aimed at protecting natural resources like rivers.

• This gathering should not just be about sharing pleasant ideas but recognizing urgent environmental crises and taking action.

• There is a call for political engagement in environmental advocacy; mere prayer is insufficient without legislative support.

Political Engagement and Legislative Change

• Emphasis on the need for laws that promote sustainable economic activities rather than destructive ones.

• Questions arise regarding how to effectively advocate for environmental protection through local governance structures.

Historical Context and Community Unity

• Drawing parallels with historical movements in Peru where ordinary people united for independence despite lacking formal military training.

• In Amazonian culture, communities historically came together during crises without hierarchical leadership structures.

The Role of Faith in Environmental Advocacy

• Acknowledgment that government actions significantly impact environmental issues; questioning which governments prioritize Amazonian rivers.

• Faith is recognized as a transformative power that can unite believers and non-believers alike in the fight against climate change.

Addressing Climate Crisis as a Spiritual Challenge

Justice Climate vs. Climate Change

• Discussion shifts towards framing climate issues within justice contexts rather than merely as changes in climate; this highlights underlying social injustices.

Structural Problems Behind Climate Crisis

• Identifying key players responsible for the crisis—industries and governments—rather than individuals alone.

Spirituality in Action

• Advocating for an active faith that responds to crises rather than remaining passive or self-serving; spirituality must manifest through action.

Conservation and the Crisis of Our Time

Understanding the Urgency of Environmental Collaboration

• The speaker emphasizes the critical need for collaboration in environmental conservation, stating that "in the jungle, if you don't collaborate, you die," highlighting a shared reality of crisis we are all experiencing.

• There is a call to learn about our environment and recognize where we live; however, some faith-based organizations focus solely on conservation without addressing fundamental political issues.

• The discussion points out that structural political issues are essential for genuinely solving crises in a fair and just manner.

Critique of Current Environmental Initiatives

• The speaker critiques U.S.-based environmental initiatives led by faith organizations that promote electric cars and renewable energy but ignore new extractivism problems associated with the so-called green economy.

• There's an assertion that these organizations fail to address justice issues or consider how their actions impact communities in the Global South and Indigenous populations within the U.S.

The Role of Theology in Environmental Justice

• A suggestion is made to transform nature theology into liberation theology, as current conditions feel oppressive with no clear future ahead. This reflects a shift from economic justice to cultural transformation focused on sustainable living.

• The speaker notes that religious communities have historically played a role in education but now must adapt to engage youth more effectively towards future-oriented solutions.

Political Engagement and Public Policy

• It is highlighted that public policies should align with community needs and not conflict with faith principles; however, local leaders often neglect this responsibility.

• A call for cognitive revolution in education is made, emphasizing the need for liberating knowledge rather than anti-cognitive approaches prevalent today.

Collective Action Towards Climate Justice

• Religious organizations are encouraged to unite across different faiths to advocate for water defense and other environmental causes collaboratively.

Challenges Facing Environmental Justice Today

Addressing Abandonment of Environmental Commitments

• A question arises regarding what can be done for environmental justice in light of abandoned commitments by governments like USAID; despite setbacks, various sectors continue working towards climate goals independently from government action.

Grassroots Efforts Amidst Government Inaction

• Despite governmental withdrawal from agreements like the Paris Accord, many corporations and municipalities remain committed to reducing emissions through grassroots efforts at local levels such as California's initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts.

Faith-Based Divestment Movements

• Faith-based institutions globally are divesting trillions from fossil fuel industries as part of their commitment to climate action despite governmental disinvestment from green projects under recent administrations.

Empowering Local Communities

• Communities are urged to organize themselves politically regardless of government changes while remaining aware of candidates' positions on climate issues during elections—emphasizing active participation in democracy as crucial for effective advocacy against climate change policies perceived as harmful or dismissive.

Activism for Climate Justice and Faith

Understanding Voting and Climate Justice

• The discussion emphasizes the importance of knowing whom to vote for in relation to climate justice, highlighting that activism continues regardless of government changes.

Power Structures and Faith

• A question arises about how power structures can be transformed through faith and citizenship, indicating a need for criteria that facilitate this transformation.

Community Action in Iquitos

• José shares experiences from Iquitos, where the Water Committee actively defends local rivers against pollution, emphasizing the sacredness of nature as perceived by indigenous peoples.

• The river Nanay is highlighted as a critical resource being polluted with mercury, underscoring the moral obligation to protect it.

Sacred Nature and Vigilance

• The conversation stresses that nature is sacred; thus, its degradation cannot be tolerated. This perspective aligns with both indigenous beliefs and religious views on stewardship.

Organized Vigilance by Religious Groups

• The Vicariate issues statements supporting environmental actions and collaborates with groups like Laudato Si to organize marches for climate justice.

Interfaith Coalitions for Social Justice

• Nedi describes an interfaith coalition in her city focused on social justice issues such as affordable housing and environmental care, demonstrating collective action among diverse faith communities.

Addressing Urban Environmental Issues

• The coalition engages with city leaders regarding funding for affordable housing while also advocating for better maintenance of artificial lagoons designed to prevent flooding during storms.

Racial Justice in Environmental Planning

• Efforts are made to ensure marginalized communities have access to green spaces like parks created from these lagoons, promoting health equity alongside environmental justice.

Engaging Communities Through Assembly

Mobilizing Community Support

• Large assemblies draw significant community participation (1,500 people), where local leaders are held accountable regarding social and environmental commitments.

Interreligious Unity Against Common Challenges

• Despite differing beliefs, participants recognize shared human experiences necessitating unity in addressing pressing social issues collectively.

Embracing Simplicity: Indigenous Perspectives

Concept of Simplicity from Indigenous Worldview

• A question about understanding simplicity within indigenous cosmology prompts reflections on how this concept contrasts with consumer-driven societies.

Promoting Local Living Practices

• José suggests living simply by consuming what the land provides rather than relying on market goods. This includes supporting local food production through community gardens.

Community Engagement in Sustainable Practices

• Regular church gatherings focus on gardening activities that foster appreciation for local produce while teaching sustainable practices among congregants.

Redefining Value Beyond Material Wealth

Dignity Over Materialism

• Discussion highlights societal pressures to prove one's worth through achievements or possessions. In contrast, indigenous cultures emphasize inherent value without material accumulation.

Equality Among Individuals

• José reflects on rural Amazonian communities where everyone is valued equally without hierarchies imposed by wealth or status—an ideal threatened by capitalist influences.

Creating a New World: Cultural and Spiritual Reflections

The Need for Transformation

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of creating a new world, suggesting that current living conditions lead to dehumanization and materialism.

• They argue that society has become hardened, losing its simple, loving heart which is essential for human connection.

Cultural and Ecological Unity

• A cultural battle is highlighted, linking ecology with religious visions and Amazonian perspectives to foster unity among diverse ideas.

• The concept of "Babel" is reinterpreted; instead of division through language, there should be a new Babel where differences unite rather than separate.

Indigenous Wisdom and Language

• The speaker introduces the Kukama word "Atachai," meaning "Yes we can," symbolizing hope and possibility in action.

• Another term, "Kanatari," signifies "dawn" or "new beginning," stressing the need for a fresh start in collective efforts.

Reflection on Creation and Existence

• A participant reflects on humanity's continuous presence with the Creator, likening it to being always connected to Earth despite appearances.

• They assert that even when people turn away from nature or God, they remain intrinsically linked to both.

Power of Faith and Community

• Living faithfully allows individuals to experience transformative power that can heal both personal lives and broader communities.

• There’s an invitation to recognize this vital relationship with creation as essential for sustaining life across generations.

Closing Thoughts on Healing Traditions

• The importance of indigenous healing practices is mentioned, particularly how traditional songs (Icaros) are used by healers for restoration.

• Emphasizing the significance of words like Atachai and Kanatari serves as a reminder that collective action can lead to renewal.

Upcoming Events Announcement

• An announcement about future sessions featuring indigenous specialists discussing climate justice highlights ongoing community engagement efforts.