Gabriel J. Catanus, PhD
Filipino American Theologian
Since launching this site several years ago, I've been overwhelmed by the responses to my initial blog posts-- "The Gospel According to Manny Pacquiao" and "Finding Our Place," among others. Since then, some of my work in Filipino American Theology has been published in The Other Journal, Emerging US, and Inheritance Magazine. I've been honored to speak and write as a Filipino American pastor and theologian in many churches, and at various denominational and ministry leadership conferences.
My 2020 dissertation in theological ethics was an attempt to honor Filipino Christians and churches around the world about whom even many scholars know so little. I write for the countless saints and their families who labor with love and faithfulness, but without degrees or publications or means. For the next generation of leaders who struggle to see people like themselves in pulpits, classrooms, and theology books: we’re in this work together!
Different expressions of my work have been presented at the Kapwa Leadership Institute (UC Berkeley), Southeast Asian Leadership Summit (Twin Cities), the Midwest Filipino American Summit (Marquette Univ.), Filipino Americans Coming Together (UIUC), the AHANA Diaspora Theology & Ministry Consultation (Hiebert Center/TEDS), and the Filipino American Ministry Summit (FAMS). More important than any of these venues, however, is what I receive from those who've gone before me and share within committed community. The wisdom of elders and ancestors could never be reduced to a CV, resume, or profile.
Salamat gid! to all who love and serve others in diaspora. We stand on your shoulders and are carried by your prayers.
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Beyond integrating Filipino American stories and ideas into my ministry and academic work, I've had the pleasure of presenting papers on Filipino American theology at the 2018 and 2021 American Academy of Religion (AAR) annual meetings. I'll be presenting again at the 2022 AAR annual meeting in Denver, CO.
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In October 2021, I was invited to preach to the whole Fuller Seminary community during their Filipino American History Month (FAHM) chapel service. You can watch/listen to my short sermon HERE. Later that month, I celebrated FAHM with some friends at Wheaton College, presenting a small portion of my research on Filipino American Christianity.
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Currently, I am part of a wonderful team of theologians investigating the effects of COVID-19 on Filipino American communities.
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In February 2022, I became the Director of the Filipino American Ministry Initiative (FAMI) and Affiliate Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary. As part of Fuller's Asian American Center, FAMI offers community, mentoring, and resources to Filipino Americans at and beyond Fuller Seminary. Through events like our annual Filipino American History Month celebration, formation groups, and other programming, FAMI integrates theology and psychology with cultural identity, spirituality, and leadership. I am currently co-hosting a special, Filipino American-focused season of Centering: The Asian American Christian Podcast, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive! For more information, contact fami@fuller.edu.
My 2020 dissertation in theological ethics was an attempt to honor Filipino Christians and churches around the world about whom even many scholars know so little. I write for the countless saints and their families who labor with love and faithfulness, but without degrees or publications or means. For the next generation of leaders who struggle to see people like themselves in pulpits, classrooms, and theology books: we’re in this work together!
Different expressions of my work have been presented at the Kapwa Leadership Institute (UC Berkeley), Southeast Asian Leadership Summit (Twin Cities), the Midwest Filipino American Summit (Marquette Univ.), Filipino Americans Coming Together (UIUC), the AHANA Diaspora Theology & Ministry Consultation (Hiebert Center/TEDS), and the Filipino American Ministry Summit (FAMS). More important than any of these venues, however, is what I receive from those who've gone before me and share within committed community. The wisdom of elders and ancestors could never be reduced to a CV, resume, or profile.
Salamat gid! to all who love and serve others in diaspora. We stand on your shoulders and are carried by your prayers.
----------
Beyond integrating Filipino American stories and ideas into my ministry and academic work, I've had the pleasure of presenting papers on Filipino American theology at the 2018 and 2021 American Academy of Religion (AAR) annual meetings. I'll be presenting again at the 2022 AAR annual meeting in Denver, CO.
----------
In October 2021, I was invited to preach to the whole Fuller Seminary community during their Filipino American History Month (FAHM) chapel service. You can watch/listen to my short sermon HERE. Later that month, I celebrated FAHM with some friends at Wheaton College, presenting a small portion of my research on Filipino American Christianity.
----------
Currently, I am part of a wonderful team of theologians investigating the effects of COVID-19 on Filipino American communities.
----------
In February 2022, I became the Director of the Filipino American Ministry Initiative (FAMI) and Affiliate Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary. As part of Fuller's Asian American Center, FAMI offers community, mentoring, and resources to Filipino Americans at and beyond Fuller Seminary. Through events like our annual Filipino American History Month celebration, formation groups, and other programming, FAMI integrates theology and psychology with cultural identity, spirituality, and leadership. I am currently co-hosting a special, Filipino American-focused season of Centering: The Asian American Christian Podcast, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive! For more information, contact fami@fuller.edu.
