Remembering Oscar Romero And The Martyrs Of El Salvador

With the Beatification of Monseñor Oscar Romero, our current Pope Francis has asked theologians to consider how we might allow for an expanded definition for martyrdom in the 21st century. Remembering Oscar Romero and the Martyrs of El Salvador responds to that challenge. How do we name Oscar Romero, Rutilio Grande, the U.S. churchwomen, and the Jesuits and two laywomen killed at the UCA as martyrs? Is it a new category with a new definition? Or is it simply an amplification of what we have long considered Christian witness? While there is a long history of martyrdom in Latin America, this book elaborates on four case studies for martyrdom focusing on the reality in El Salvador: Rutilio Grande, S.J. killed in 1977, Archbishop Oscar Romero killed in 1980, the U.S. churchwomen killed in 1980, and the six members of the UCA Jesuit community and their two female collaborators killed in 1989. Insights from the work of Jon Sobrino illuminate these case studies. First, his Christological insights from Jesus the Liberator and Christ the Liberator are used to analyze the reality of martyrdom, particularly in reference to the terms martyr, crucified people, and martyred people. Second, his more recent articles challenge a strict interpretation of the traditional definition of martyrdom, especially focusing on his terms Jesuanic martyr, a martyr for justice, and even a more polemic suggestion of an anonymous Christian martyr. Finally, the book concludes by combining Sobrino's insights and the reality of martyrdom today, updated with the recent scholarship in Romero's beatification process which attempts to show Romero as a martyr. In the end, the book hopes to offer some suggestions for an expanded definition of martyrdom in the 21st century. By responding to the call of Pope Francis for an expanded definition, the reality of martyrdom in Latin America might be better understood and applied to the universal church.

This book responds to Pope Francis's challenge to construct an expanded definition for martyrdom today. Using the work of Jon Sobrino, Thiede examines four case studies--Rutilio Grande, Oscar Romero, the U.S. churchwomen, and the UCA Jesuits and their collaborators--to offer an expanded definition of martyrdom.

Who would murder one of the most respected priests of South America? Óscar Romero, a respected Catholic priest, called on soldiers, as Christians, to put down their arms and stop carrying out the governments order to strip citizens of the most basic human rights...for this he was assassinated. For over 30 years, his murder has gone unsolved. Who would murder a priest who only wanted to stop the injustice? And more importantly, why is it that, with substantial evidence naming the murderers involved, was nothing done to convict those guilty of murdering the country's beloved archbishop?

This work explores issues of forgiveness and reconciliation in countries that had experienced political conflicts, civil war, and even genocide. It attempts to move beyond mere discussion by examining case studies and the initiatives taken in dialogue and reconciliation. In many cases, religion can be a force for peace and play a significant role in resolving conflicts. This work also examines the relationship between justice and forgiveness, emphasizing that there will be no peace without justice and no justice without forgiveness. Human justice is fragile. Thus, respect for rights and responsibilities must include forgiveness in order to heal and restore relationships.

In March of 1980 Oscar Arnulfo Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador, was assassinated as he celebrated Mass. This book combines personal recollections and theological reflections on this extraordinary and prophetic man. Sobrino, a colleague and admirer of the late archbishop as well as a prominent figure in liberation theology, explores the profound meaning of Romero's life and witness for El Salvador, the church, and the World. Sobrino considers first the impact of Romero's life and message on his own life and theology. In a moving personal memoir, he describes how Romero (by reputation a timid, conservative prelate) emerged as the outspoken champion of the poor and suffering people of El Salvador. Sobrino then places the archbishop in the context of the wider church. Romero as believer, as archbishop, as Salvadoran, as prophet, as martyr, as inspiration for theology - Sobrino explores each of these identities, to synthesize the totality of his person and his work. Summing up these reflections he concludes, Archbishop Romero was a gospel...a piece of good news from God to the poor of the world.

The vivid and moving story of an archbishop whose courage cost him his life, told through the words of those who worked with him, lived with him, and prayed with him. Oscar Romero was considered a safe choice as leader of the Church in war-torn El Salvador, but he astonished supporters and opponents of the military regime alike by his uncompromising message of justice and reconciliation. Since his murder in March 1980, Romero has become a symbol of the Church's commitment to the rights of the poor.