The Episcopal Church in the Philippines: Indigenous Roots, Ecojustice, & Women in Theology with Ms. Sunshine Dulnuan

In this episode, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan speaks with Ms. Sunshine Dulnuan, a systematic theology lecturer at St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary in Quezon City, Philippines. Ms. Dulnuan shares her passion for theology, emphasizing its direct impact on people and the planet, and reflects on her unique experience studying at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of anti-Asian hate.

She delves into the complex history of how The Episcopal Church established its presence in the Philippines, highlighting its distinct focus on indigenous communities like the Igorots and Tirurays, who still comprise the majority of the church's membership today. Their conversation also delves into the current priorities of The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, including its commitment to contextual theology and holistic missions through initiatives like eCare (Episcopal Community Action for Renewal and Empowerment), which fosters economic empowerment through micro-loans and community organizing. Learn about their significant eco-justice work, including the establishment of a "communion forest" and mangrove planting efforts.

Ms. Dulnuan also addresses challenges facing the church, such as the ongoing conversation around LGBTQIA+ inclusion and the critical need for women bishops—currently, there are no women bishops in The Episcopal Church in the Philippines, though women now make up about 40% of seminary students and a majority of the faculty. As someone deeply rooted in indigenous perspectives and whose father was a forester and mother a farmer, she offers profound insights on being better stewards of God's creation and the ecosystems.

This is the fourth episode of Episcopal Divinity School’s (EDS) series hosted by Distinguished Scholar, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan: Voices from the Anglican Communion. Interested in learning more about how to live postcolonial Anglicanism? Consider joining EDS this fall for an online course taught by Dr. Kwok and the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, PhD: Living Postcolonial Anglicanism: Pastoral Perspectives from the Global Church.

 

Credits:

Music Credit: Documentary Music by ColorFilmMusic

Podcast produced by Polymnia