Thinking about Religious Education as 'Pag-alalay': A postcolonial, empirical and theological study into the theory and practice of Catholic religious education in the Philippines

For contexts like the Philippines, where the majority of the people are religious and where the Catholic religion has been entangled with a history of oppression of peoples, the challenge for religious education is to reimagine both the content and methodology of religious education. Thereby it is important that it promotes inclusive care and just relations inside and outside the classroom. In dialogue with postcolonial theory, practical theology, and the hermeneutical-communicative model of religious education (RE), this research project will utilize theological action research to collaborate with RE teachers in developing a contextual approach to RE in the Philippines. The project will put forth guiding principles that will serve as a basis for thinking about RE as “pag-alalay" (supporting with care). Thereby teachers are supported as they support children not only in making sense of their religious identity but also in bringing this identity into dialogue with the larger society.