The Center for Reconciliation, in collaboration with its partner the Americas Initiative for Transformation and Reconciliation (AITR), is offering the third session in the fourth module of the Second Institute of the Americas for Transformation and Reconciliation. This is the final session for the 2021-2022 Institute.
Module 4: On Vocation
Session 3: Cultivating a Christian Spirituality for Justice and Peace
Key presenters:
- Dr. César Lopes (Brazil)
César Lopes has been working in pastoral and academic environments with a focus on holistic mission and transformation for the past twenty years. His experiences include directing departments and programs, leading efforts in curriculum and faculty development, editing periodicals, and working as dean of students in different higher theological education institutions in Brazil, in addition to classroom and online interactions. His teaching experience includes courses and lectures delivered in international contexts, especially in Latin America, but also in countries such as the United States, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka. César holds a master’s degree in practical theology from the South American Theological Seminary (Brazil) and a Ph.D. in educational studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Illinois/USA). His main research interest resides in the interface between globalization, culture, theology, and education. César currently directs the online bachelor in theology program at the Sao Paulo School of Theology (Brazil) and serves as one of the deans of the master’s program at CETI (Costa Rica).
- José Vinces (Ecuador)
José Vinces Rodriguez is originally from Peru and has lived in Ecuador for the last 13 years. He is a lawyer specializing in human rights who has worked with vulnerable groups for 30 years. José is also a pastor, consultant, and the current executive director of Paz y Esperanza Ecuador.
Facilitator:
- Adela Samayoa (El Salvador)
Adela Samayoa Durán is an administrator of the Evangelical Methodist Church in El Salvador and coordinator of the National Methodist Women's Program. She has been a chaplain in educational ministries and has served in accompaniment of migrants and displaced victims of violence. She is an active member of the Ecumenical Women for Peace initiative, where she advocates for the defense of human rights. She has pursued her theological studies in the General Board of Higher Education and Ministries Course of Study program in conjunction with Duke Divinity School. Adela is a current co-chair of the AITR Steering Committee.