Gender and Theology Retreat
From April 23-25, 2025, theologians and scholars from across Asia gathered in Sri Lanka for a transformative theological retreat focused on Integral Missions, Gender Equality, and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Commissioned by Tearfund, this retreat was part of a broader effort to deepen theological engagement and equip churches as agents of change in addressing critical issues such as poverty, violence, and gender injustice.
Representing APNTS at this by-invitation event was Dr. Joy Faraz, the Academic Dean of APNTS, who was one of only two delegates from the Philippines nominated to join the retreat. She delivered a presentation on the plight of marginalized women in the Philippines, highlighting the harsh realities of exploitation, poverty, and systemic oppression that many women face. Dr. Faraz’s contributions underscored the importance of theological responses to gender-based challenges, amplifying the voices of the vulnerable and advocating for justice.
The retreat brought together representatives from diverse contexts—Uzbekistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines—each bringing unique cultural and religious perspectives. A key goal of the gathering was to bridge the gap between theological discourse and practical application, ensuring that reflections on gender justice and SGBV are translated into meaningful action for churches, denominations, and theological institutions.
A significant outcome of the retreat was the development of a resource tentatively titled Theological Reflections on Integral Missions and Gender Justice: Perspectives from Asia. This compendium of essays will compile contextual theological insights from across the region, offering a valuable tool for engaging with themes such as gender justice, toxic masculinities, and SGBV from a faith-based perspective. Dr. Faraz will contribute a pivotal chapter titled The Christian Response to Sexual Exploitation and Gender-Based Violence in the Philippines, weaving together theological insights, cultural contexts, and actionable pathways for faith communities to address these critical challenges.
Dr. Bonnie Miriam Jacob, a renowned author and Research Director at TRACI India, will serve as the editor of this critical resource. Under her leadership, the compendium aims to empower churches and theological schools across Asia to respond thoughtfully and effectively to the realities of gender inequality and violence.
More than an academic endeavor, this initiative served as a call to action, encouraging faith communities to engage meaningfully in combating gender-based violence and inequality. Through her presentation and forthcoming chapter, Dr. Joy Faraz exemplifies the transformative role of theological education in addressing systemic injustices. Her work not only amplifies the mission of APNTS as a beacon of theological engagement in Asia but also positions faith-based solutions at the forefront of advocacy for gender justice and shalom in the region.
