"Liberation Theology Does Not Yet Seem to be Easily Applicable in Britain"

Abstract

In this paper I shall set out to show that although the former Archbishop of York, Dr. John Habgood's statement is consistent with the attitude of many leading members of the Church of England, it is an attitude that should be challenged. Liberation theology is never easily applicable, for liberation is never easy for those who are in positions of power. Although the Archbishop most probably had in mind the Latin American brand of liberation theology, with its focus on economic oppression and domination by North American capitalism, it shall be my contention that, in the Church of England, the lack of serious consideration over the past few decades, of Black theology, which is a liberation theology, has meant that many Black Anglicans have felt unwelcome. I shall suggest that this lack of a Black liberation theology has resulted in that Church losing a vital and vibrant addition to the life of that Church. Furthermore, I shall contend that such an addition is crucial if the Church is to have any significant relevance to society today, for it is the contribution of Black theology, a theology that teaches forgiveness and reconciliation, that will give a new meaning to a disordered nation.