About Us

2000-2002 The Beginning

A number of Philippines-based alumni of the theology faculty of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) met regularly to share their experiences of theologizing in the Philippines. They called themselves Group Fonske.

They took steps toward organizing an association, which they hope will contribute to the development of theological consciousness in the Philippine Church.

It was envisioned that  “an association of Catholic theologians when they speak in one voice, would be a formidable force in shaping theological reflection in this part of the world, in drawing attention to the real questions that face the Church and our faith, and in evaluating the answers being offered, particularly on theological topics that cry for enlightenment and critical analysis.” (Manuel Ginete CM – co-founder of Group Fonske and DaKaTeo).

There were several attempts to form such an association before, but these failed because of differing theological orientations or levels of professional training.  Group Fonske thought it wise to start with a community of friends with more or less similar orientation and level of professional training in theology.

On 25-26 October 2002, Group Fonske organized an inaugural symposium on “Fundamentalism and Pluralism in the Church” held at De la Salle University in Manila. In that symposium, there were already present theologian-alumni from other universities who expressed keen interest in joining the envisioned theological organization. The circle of friends immediately expanded to become what DaKaTeo is now, an association of Catholic men and women, specializing in the various theological disciplines, and who received their professional training from different universities here and abroad.

From 2003 to 2004, the DaKaTeo founders and supportive friends held several meetings to draft the Constitution. The Vision-Mission of the group was further clarified in a weekend workshop at the De la Salle guesthouse in Tagaytay.

Toward a “just and inclusive church and society,” DaKaTeo sees its primary contribution not only in providing a space for theological reflections and praxis but also in fostering a “writing culture” among theologians. Oftentimes Filipino theologians, after obtaining their licentiate or doctoral degrees, have difficulties finding time to write theological articles. The association is a support as well as “pressure” group for theologians to continue producing relevant and creative research. It is a joke in DaKaTeo that here, we pay…to be pressured to write…and then to be critiqued.

Equally important as well is the fostering of fellowship among its members. DaKaTeo is not just an organization but a “community of friends” who are also ready to support one another in times of “crisis”.

It has been asked, a theology with whom and for whom? Who benefits from our theological discourse?  DaKaTeo is convinced that we would be remiss in our vocation as theologians if our theology is not conducted in dialogue with the poor and the excluded and in solidarity with their just interests and aspirations. DaKaTeo adopts a liberationist and intercultural perspective in its way of doing theology.

Agnes M. Brazal
DaKaTeo Co-founding Member