Some questions need time and devotion to get answered. Quick takes aren’t enough. The questions of today’s world are complex; they emerge from historical, social, and cultural intersections that are hard to untangle. These problems demand a collaborative response between el pueblo and scholars. World Outspoken recognizes the need to bring these groups together to form answers that make sense on the ground. Theories from ivory towers are not going to work, so we are moved to provide a scholar-in-residence program that brings the wisdom of the abuelita and the training of the scholar together in new ways. -Emanuel Padilla, President of WOS
What is a “Scholar-in-Residence?”
An academically trained scholar who works to serve the Church and academy. Their service to the Church models pastoral de conjunto—collaborative pastoral ministry. As Ana María Piñeda writes, such ministry “invites the people of God to commit themselves actively to continue the work of Jesus by entering into the cultural, religious, and social reality of the people.” Scholars-in-residence demonstrate this commitment by serving as intellectuals grounded in the lived experience of the people and promoting concientización— neighbor-loving awareness—throughout the Church. This community-based work enables the scholar to share the practices, perspectives, traditions, and questions of the Church within the academy. Asi es que our scholars-in-residence serve the Church and academy. As Ada María Isasi-Díaz once wrote about her own calling:
““As a mujerista theologian, I straddle the academic and the Latino worlds. Hispanic Women are indeed my community of accountability. But I am an academically trained theologian, and part of my praxis has to do with attempting to affect academia, to bring Latina’s religious understandings and practices to bear on the academic world and on academic disciplines, particularly theology. My writings reflects these two worlds, between which I move constantly.””
How will Scholars contribute to World Outspoken?
Mestiza/o leaders must be good translators. They have to translate between peoples, cultures, and changing generations; they translate between worlds. Our scholars are translators of research and abuelita theology. They reflect on the wisdom of the people and the insights of the academy. World Outspoken welcomes scholars with the skills and commitments necessary to support the mestizo church. During a year long residency, scholars will contribute articles, join our podcasts, and design course curriculum addressing key challenges facing la Iglesia. These scholars will contribute unique resources addressing topics such as:
Public Theology
Language and Cultural Identity
Race and Justice
And so much more…
Meet Our Scholars
Dra. Itzel Reyes
As an academic from el barrio, I strive to engage in scholarly work that honors and gives visibility to my community. My identity as a U.S. Latina woman of faith and as a daughter of immigrants who was a first-generation college student and a teenage mother is an integral component of my academic formation. My faith drives my passion for justice as I seek to reveal the ways in which certain language ideologies are constructed to operate unjustly against our communities. My work acknowledges language as a powerful tool and promotes linguistic diversity in its different manifestations. Bicultural and bilingual identities are at the center of my work. I am a Spanish professor by vocation and truly enjoy teaching my family’s language as a second language, to students who might not have a strong background in Spanish, and as a heritage language, to Latina/o students who are relearning or enhancing their skills in their heritage tongue. These passions, understood from an academic and experiential perspective, will drive my contributions at World Outspoken.
Want to learn more about Dra. Reyes? Listen to our interview with her by clicking below.
Follow on Michelle on Twitter to discuss theology and mujerista thought.
Michelle Navarrete
As a second-generation Latina who lives in between the Mexican and American cultures, my faith inevitably intersects with my culture and experiences. My passions stem from within the Old Testament, and I use storytelling in my academics to engage others and cultivate connection. People are part of this passion and I want my work to reflect that. Currently located in the most diverse square mile of the United States in Clarkston, GA, I am a doctoral student of the Old Testament at Emory University. During my time at World Outspoken, I hope that my contributions will renew faith perspectives in a way that mobilizes restoring change within communities.
Want to learn more about Michelle N.? Watch our interview with her by clicking below.
Want to be considered for the scholar-in-residence program?
The program is a one year residency. Sign up below to receive updates about the application process, deadlines, and other important details.
Previous Scholars
