Ignacio Ellacuria Quotes

Philosopher and Jesuit priest
Spain
1929

Ignacio Ellacuria was a Spanish Jesuit priest, philosopher, and theologian known for his work in liberation theology. He was born in 1930 in Spain and later moved to El Salvador, where he became a prominent figure in the Jesuit community. Ellacuria was a strong advocate for social justice and worked closely with the poor and marginalized communities in El Salvador. He is best known for his contributions to liberation theology, which emphasizes the role of the church in promoting social and political change. Ellacuria’s notable works include “Theology of Liberation and Marxism,” “The Option for the Poor,” and “Theology and Politics.” He was tragically assassinated in 1989 during the Salvadoran Civil War, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence theologians and activists around the world.Read Less

Always remember that there is no conversion to God if there is no conversion to the oppressed. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Ignacio Ellacuria, Conversion, Oppressed, Remember, 0

- Ignacio Ellacuria

Philosopher and Jesuit priest

· Spain

Every human being is called to solidarity in a world battling between life and death Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Ignacio Ellacuria, Life And Death, Solidarity, 0

- Ignacio Ellacuria

Philosopher and Jesuit priest

· Spain

Ignacio Ellacuria Career Highlights

Ellacuria was born on November 9, 1930, in Spain and joined the Society of Jesus at the age of 18.
He studied philosophy and theology in Spain and Belgium and later earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Innsbruck in Austria.
In 1959, he was sent to El Salvador as a missionary and became a professor at the UCA.
In 1979, he was appointed rector of the UCA, a position he held until his death in 1989.
During his time as rector, he oversaw the university’s transformation into a center for social justice and human rights advocacy.
He also played a key role in the formation of the Central American University Association (AUSJAL), a network of Jesuit universities in Latin America.
In 1980, he co-founded the Institute for Human Rights at the UCA, which provided legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses during the Salvadoran Civil War.
He was a vocal critic of the Salvadoran government and the United States’ involvement in the civil war, which led to death threats and attempts on his life.
In 1989, he was tragically assassinated along with five other Jesuit priests and two women at the UCA by the Salvadoran military.

Key Contributions by Ignacio Ellacuria

Ellacuria’s most significant contribution was his development of liberation theology, a movement that sought to combine Christian theology with social and political activism.
He believed that the Church had a responsibility to address the root causes of poverty and injustice and actively work towards social change.
He also emphasized the importance of solidarity with the poor and marginalized, and the need for Christians to actively participate in the struggle for social justice.
He played a crucial role in shaping the UCA’s mission, which focused on promoting social justice, human rights, and the empowerment of the poor.
He was a prolific writer and published numerous books and articles on theology, philosophy, and social justice, including “Theology of Liberation: Historical, Doctrinal, and Socio-Political Perspectives” and “Utopia and Propheticism from Latin America.”

What Sets Ignacio Ellacuria Apart

Ellacuria’s unwavering commitment to social justice and his fearless advocacy for the rights of the poor and marginalized set him apart from other theologians and priests of his time.
He was not afraid to challenge the status quo and speak out against injustice, even at the risk of his own safety.
His work at the UCA and his contributions to liberation theology have had a lasting impact on the Church and society, inspiring many to continue the fight for social justice.

Takeaways

Ignacio Ellacuria’s life and work serve as a powerful example of the role that the Church can play in promoting social justice and advocating for the rights of the oppressed.
His commitment to solidarity and his belief in the transformative power of education continue to inspire individuals and institutions around the world.
His legacy lives on through the Ignacio Ellacuria Center for Social Research at the UCA, which continues to promote social justice and human rights in El Salvador and beyond.

Other People