What took place in EWA 8 (2018)

FOODSCAPES: GASTRONOMY, THEOLOGIES, AND SPIRITUALITIES, Asian Feminist Theological Orientation Ecclesia of Women in Asia's 8th Biennial ConferenceVenue: VietnamDate: January 18-21, 2018 Ecclesia of Women in Asia is a forum of Asian Catholic women theologians and women doing theology in Asia. Our name “Ecclesia of Women in Asia” expresses the desire of women to enter the …

“Food, Memory Hunger: Women and Eucharist” by Cyrilla Chakalakal (India)

The mother in feeding the baby gives her life to the baby and in the process she gets emaciated. Who more than a mother can say this is my body this is my blood given to you. The “Take and eat, take and drink” of the Eucharistic of the calumniation, compassionate invitation to hungry crowds …

“Animal Liberation and Rights: Should we be Vegetarians?” by Jeane Peracullo (Philippines)

Jeane examines the arguments presented by environmental philosophers Peter Singer, Tom Regan and Carol Adams on the ethical bases for vegetarianism. They demand the re-appraisal of the place of nonhuman beings in ethical theories, invite the consideration of the relationship between ecology and ethics and encourage reflection on the relationship of humans with nature. They …

“Sappia-Christ: Rice of Life” by Rachel Joyce Marie O. Sanchez (Philippines)

In the context of the importance of rice in Philippine society and in response to hunger experienced in an urban poor community, women of a particular Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) initiate and observe "Isang Dakot ng Bigas" (One Handful of Rice), a practice wherein members of BECs contribute rice grains for members of the community …

“Food Security and Food Waste: Reflection from Laudato Si and Ecofeminist Perspective” Mary Yuen (Hong Kong)

Mary examines the social phenomenon of food security and food waste and its root causes. She offers theological reflection with insights from Pope Francis’ recent social encyclical Laudato Si' and ecofeminist theology and theories. Pope Francis suggests that together with people’s obligation to use the earth’s goods responsibly, we are called to recognize that other …

“Women and Food Justice: Insights from the Vocation of a Business Leader and the Fair Trade Movement” by Stephanie Ann Puen (Philippines-USA)

Food justice and security have become important concerns given the growing population in today’s world. Various movements have organized themselves, from the larger Fair Trade movement, to the smaller, local urban gardening. However, while women make up a large portion of those working in creating and distributing food, they are often also the ones who …

Theologians review EWA 8 on CTEWC (Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church) newsletter

CTEWC (Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church) theologians Sharon Bong and Lisa Fullam have written pieces on EWA 8. Read them by clicking on the following links: Sharon Bong, "EWA tasting and seeing Christ as the Bread of Life, Rice of Life and the Meat of Life" Lisa Fullam, "Report on the Ecclesia of …

“From a Literal well to a well of eternal water: a theological reading of the Samaritan woman’s meeting with Jesus in the light of the struggle of women in Sri Lanka” by Rasika Pieris (Sri Lanka)

In the context of Sri Lanka (SL), it is not misguided to claim that food practices are gender based. They shed light on a broader cultural, religious and economic analysis. Not eating together, not sharing the same food and differences between food practices based on gender differences signify distance, the hierarchical attitude and exclusion of …

“Death-by-Abundance: The Daqar of Hunger in Lamentations 4.9” by Kristine Meneses (Philippines)

Today, there are instant meals that are produced, packed, stored and sold for working people on the go, while there are some restaurants that offer “Eat-All-You-Can” or “All-You-Can-Eat” to satisfy your cravings, as if there is no tomorrow. In the country where this writer is based, you will find places to eat in every corner …

“Animals as Fellow Creatures of God: Welfare of Farmed Animals Based on Laudato Si’” by Heejung Adele Cho (South Korea-Canada)

Heejung argues that strong faith-based reasons are found in Laudato Si that exhorts Christians to carefully consider consuming animal products derived from the factory farming industry. Pope Francis’ Laudato Si proposes the Franciscan vision in which other creatures of God are our sisters and brothers. The encyclical states: “Every creature is thus the object of …