Can we hold that seed in our hands? The necessary theological recognition of the pastoral care in the Diocese of San Cristóbal (1959-1999)

Abstract

A proposal is presented for a theological vindication of the type of pastoral work promoted in the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico, during the bishopric of Samuel Ruiz, which focused on the inculturation of the faith. Based on Raimon Panikkar's proposal of Diatopic Hermeneutics and the phases of Dialogic Dialogue, we analyze the conversion process that Ruiz experienced after the Second Vatican Council. This change is analyzed, taking as one of the milestones the encounter with the spirituality of the Indigenous Nations, which led to the promotion of the Indigenous Church and Indian Theology in the Diocese. We give an account of the type of changes undertaken during his bishopric, aimed at achieving a more dialogical relationship between the Catholic Church and the Indigenous Peoples. We conclude that the approaches of the Authoctonous Church are based on Catholic Doctrine. Their relevance is such that they have been a source of inspiration for documents prepared by Pope Francis in the last 10 years.