Theme: Prophetic Solidarities: Intersections of Theology and Social Movements in the Philippines
CALL FOR PAPERS: Damdaming Katoliko sa Teolohiya (DaKaTeo) Annual Conference
Gumaca, Quezon
November 12-14, 2026
Theme: Prophetic Solidarities:
Intersections of Theology and Social Movements in the Philippines
(Propetikong Pakikiisa: Mga Sangandaan sa Teolohiya at Kilusang Panlipunan sa Pilipinas)
Damdaming Katoliko sa Teolohiya (DaKaTeo) is a Philippine-based theological society committed to building a just and inclusive Church and society. It promotes contextualized, interdisciplinary theology rooted in the lived experiences of the poor and marginalized, emphasizing a liberationist and “Church of the Poor” perspective. Through scholarly research, dialogue, and collaboration among theologians, DaKaTeo fosters critical reflection and creative engagement with contemporary issues, while encouraging a prophetic voice within both the Church and society.
This year, we invite individuals from varied academic and pastoral disciplines to join us in reimagining and reassessing the intricate relationship between organic Social Movements in the Philippines and theology, which seems ambivalent, dichotomized, and compartmentalized.
Social movements are organized, collective efforts aimed at achieving positive change or transformation that contributes to the realization of the common good, in which a shared sense of identity or goal, with intentionality, congregates people. Historically, in Southeast Asia, and here in the Philippines, social movements emerged from the struggle against colonial rule and later from dictatorship. They collectively challenge powers, propelling people to act, and demand accountability from those in power and change. Further, social movements are organic; they emerge from widespread discontent, coalesce into organized groups, from the grassroots. They call for change from the underground up. This said, social movements, though they operate outside of traditional political institutions, remain political as they exert pressure (in creative fronts and forms) on the status quo, that is, clamor for reforms, an overhaul of systems and power relations that no longer serve the marginalized and the most vulnerable in society.
Social movements are the engines of progress because they prove that organized collective action is the most powerful tool for shaping the future of a nation. Further, they demonstrate a form of solidarity that resonates with Jan Patočka’s notion of the “solidarity of the shaken” and can be fruitfully connected to the Church’s understanding of its prophetic mission in the world. Patočka describes this solidarity as arising among those who have been “shaken” out of ordinary assumptions by suffering, by shared nothingness of people who, by coming to a deeper awareness of human fragility, of the moral seriousness of history, and of strong belief in hope. This shared vulnerability forms a solidarity grounded in truth rather than identity or power.
Thus, social movements align with the Catholic Church’s commitment to social justice as part of modern or contemporary prophetic vocation. The Church asserts that authentic faith cannot be separated from concern for the human person and non-humans, especially the poor, those most vulnerable to systems of injustice.
In the Philippines, social movements continue to shape public life through collective struggles for justice, dignity, and sustainability. At the same time, for theology to have substance, it is increasingly called to engage lived realities, moving beyond abstraction toward praxis rooted in the experiences of the marginalized. This conference invites scholars, theologians, and practitioners to explore the dynamic relationship between social movements and theology, asking how faith both informs and is transformed by ongoing struggles for social change and vice versa.
In this light, we invite contributions exploring the intersections of theology, philosophy, and social movements, with particular attention to how theological or religious traditions inform practices of resistance, solidarity, and social transformation. We especially welcome contributions from other disciplines that bridge theology and organic/contemporary social movements.
We welcome interdisciplinary, contextual, and liberation-oriented contributions that critically and creatively engage the following themes:
1. Social and Economic Justice
This theme engages the structural realities that produce poverty, inequality, and precarious labor conditions. It invites theological reflection on how economic systems affect human dignity, particularly among workers, peasants, and urban poor communities. Contributors may explore how Christian social teaching, liberation theology, and grassroots praxis challenge unjust structures and envision more equitable economic arrangements grounded in solidarity, shared responsibility, subsidiarity, and the common good.
2. Human Rights and Democratic Freedoms
This theme focuses on theology’s role in responding to threats against life, liberty, and civic participation. It invites reflection on how faith communities interpret and respond to violence, state repression, and shrinking democratic spaces. Papers may examine theological foundations for human dignity, truth, and justice, as well as the prophetic responsibility of the Church and religious actors in defending human rights and promoting accountability in public life.
3. Environmental Protection and Climate Justice
This theme explores the theological implications of ecological crisis, especially in a country highly vulnerable to climate change. It invites reflection on the moral and spiritual dimensions of environmental destruction, linking ecological degradation with social injustice. Contributions may consider how theology can articulate an ethic of care for creation, queer-ecofeminism, and environmental justice that challenges extractive economic systems and communities most affected by disasters, pollution, and resource exploitation.
4. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
This theme critically engages systems of patriarchy, discrimination, and exclusion in both society and religious institutions. It encourages theological work informed by feminist, womanist, bai, disability, decoloniality, and queer perspectives that reimagine notions of dignity, embodiment, and justice. Contributors may explore how theology can affirm diverse identities, confront gender-based violence, and contribute to more inclusive communities of faith and society.
5. National Sovereignty and Good Governance
This theme examines the intersection of faith, politics, policies, and civic responsibility. It invites reflection on corruption, political dynasties, foreign intervention, loopholes in policies, and governance ethics. Theological perspectives may explore concepts such as the common good, stewardship of power, and moral accountability, while also considering how faith communities can foster civic engagement and participatory democracy grounded in justice and integrity.
6. Youth and Education Advocacy
This theme highlights the transformative potential of young people and educational spaces in shaping social consciousness. It invites reflection on how theology can engage critical pedagogy, formation, and activism among youth. Contributors may explore how education can become a site of liberation, subsidiarity, and participation, encouraging critical awareness of social realities and nurturing the next generation of socially engaged and ethically grounded citizens.
7. Empowerment of the Marginalized (Disabled, Indigenous Peoples/Communities, Elders, and more)
This theme centers on the lived experiences of those often excluded from decision-making and resources—such as workers, farmers, the disabled, indigenous peoples, and the urban poor. It invites theological reflection on solidarity, accompaniment, and the preferential option for the poor. Contributors may reflect on embodiment, vulnerability, interdependence, and accessibility, while also examining how faith communities can move toward fuller inclusion. It also considers how persons with disabilities contribute to rethinking theological anthropology and notions of wholeness and participation. In addition, you may examine the impacts of colonization, displacement, and development aggression, while also exploring pathways for decolonial theology that respects indigenous agency, affirms cultural identity, and stands in solidarity with indigenous movements for justice and ancestral land rights.
Contributors may examine how marginalized communities become active theological subjects, shaping faith understanding through their struggles and aspirations for justice.
Submission Guidelines
The Research Capsule should clearly articulate the following information within 1 page, single-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides, and send it as a .docx or .doc file to: dakateoedteam2026@googlegroups.com.
A. Name and contact details of the author (last name, first name, middle name, abbreviated M.A. or doctoral degree title).
B. Proposed paper title
C. Brief explicit explanation of the connection or relevance of the paper to the conference theme
D. Main thesis or argument of the paper
E. Brief but clear explanation of methodology or procedure toward achieving the purpose or developing the thesis or argument.
F. In what way will your paper be innovative, creative, or original vis-a-vis other published works on the same topic or related topics? Answer briefly.
G. List of major and recent references
H. Are you a Dakateo member?
I. If accepted, do you plan to submit your paper for Dakateo publication?
Interdisciplinary approaches, ethnographic studies, and praxis-oriented reflections are especially encouraged.
If the study involves human or animal subjects, ethical clearance from an accredited ethics board or institutional review committee, or informed consent upon submission of the full paper for publication, is required.
The deadline for the research capsule is on or before June 30, 2026.
Submission Process
A vetting committee will conduct a blind review of the submissions to identify those who could be presenters, taking into account the following criteria:
1. Relevance to the theme
2. Consideration of the Philippine context
3. Originality of insight, methodology, and organization of the paper
Paper presenters will be informed no later than July 15, 2026, if their papers are accepted for presentation and are expected to submit their full paper of around 5000-8000 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography, Chicago style), on or before October 25, 2026, or two weeks before the conference. This is because papers will be circulated to all participants for reading before the conference. The conference will provide opportunities for deep reflection, refinement, and expanding awareness of issues.
