by Hugh Foy

HUGH FOY outlines the dialogue between liberation theology and psychotherapy that led Jesuit Martín Baró to the development of liberation psychology

The Open House conference on Liberation Theology comes at a time when significant questions are being asked about mental health and mental health provision across the globe. One aspect of such provision emerges from a dialogue between liberation theology and psychotherapy. This dialogue has had some inspiring interlocutors, including the inspirational figure of Ignacio Martín Baró. His work on what was to become liberation psychology offers a vison that remains relevant today. And with the recent beatification of his fellow Jesuit Rutilo Grande, we are in a moment rich with opportunities to celebrate liberation theology in all its hope filled diversity.

Baró was a Spanish Jesuit who, together with five other Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter, were murdered at the University of Central America in El Salvador on November 16th, 1989. They were active in negotiations to end the civil war and were part of a local church that was often a voice for the voiceless. In resisting the oppressive policies of the government, they were regarded as subversive, disloyal and dangerous and paid the price with their lives.