In the encyclical Laodato Si, Pope Francis describes the earth as 'the new poor', opening it up as a place in need of liberation. The fate of the poor, the marginalised, and those on the wrong side of the western colonial project is inextricably tied up with the fate of the planet. In A Liberation for the Earth Anupama Ranawana explores the nexus between climate, race and the liberative potential of the cross. Reflecting on the entanglement between colonialization and the destruction of the planet, she considers how this entanglement is played out and resisted within faith based and secular ecological justice movements in Canada, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

About the Author
A.M. Ranawana researches the relationship between literature and Asian feminist theology at the Centre for Religion and Politics at the University of St Andrews. She also teaches a course on Justice, Environment and Mission with a particular focus on Indigenous, Black and Asian Theology for the Queen's Foundation (Common Awards Scheme) and works part time as Research Advisor for Christian Aid. She has worked extensively as a researcher and animator for think tanks and faith based INGOs.

Reviews

"In A Liberation for the Earth: Race, Climate and Cross, Anupama Ranawana identifies the way unfair power structures lead to ecological sin. Her "rage" toward environmental injustice will spark a passion for others to engage in justice making. By making the connection between "systems of enslavement, expropriation, colonization and indigenous genocide," she makes a cogent case for racial injustice as that which fuels a disproportionate impact for the current climate crisis."

-- CL Nash

"In reading A Liberation for the Earth, A.M. Ranawana gives us more than a theoretical methodology, she demonstrates how we can apply the encyclical Laudato Si' alongside a liberation and decolonial theology in which all are in conversation with justice narratives. It is an enlightening and moving read that is a welcome addition to the study of racialized discourses within biblical hermeneutics."

-- Dionne Gravesande



Book Information
ISBN 9780334061267
Author A.M. Ranawana
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint SCM Press
Publisher SCM Press