World Forum oN Theology and Liberation · 12th Edition
Decolonizing the Economy, Politics, and Religion:
Building Relationships Founded on Eco-justice
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About the Forum
A global gathering for theology, justice, and liberation
The World Forum on Theology and Liberation (WFTL) brings together theologians, activists, researchers, and communities from around the world to explore the intersections of faith, social justice, and the struggle against all forms of oppression. This 12th edition is held in Cotonou, Benin, in connection with the World Social Forum (WSF).
The theme — Decolonizing the Economy, Politics, and Religion: Building Relationships Founded on Eco-justice — invites participants to examine how colonial legacies continue to shape economic systems, political structures, and religious institutions, and to imagine pathways toward genuine liberation and ecological solidarity.
The forum is a multilingual, hybrid event with simultaneous interpretation in four languages:
Dates
July 31 – August 8, 2026
Location
Cotonou, Benin
Format
Hybrid (in-person + online)
Opening session (online)
Zoom · ID: 880 4854 4262
Passcode: 551052
Program Overview
Day 1
Opening & African Religions
Opening Ceremony · Panel 1: African Religions · Panel 2: Indigenous Peoples, Colonizing Peoples, Resurgences and Alliances · Panel 3: Daring a Francophone African Decolonial Theology · Integration workshops by language group
Day 2
Slave Memory & Benin–Brazil Links
Full day hosted by Afrique Décide · Panel 4: Memory of the Enslaved and the Ties Between Benin and Brazil · Musical performance by the Bourian group · Heritage visits: Temple of Pythons, Sacred Forest, Route of Captives, Azizakouè Village
Day 3
Anti-Capitalist Posture & Decolonial Theologies
Panel 5: Building an Anti-Capitalist Posture · Panel 6: Liberation and Decolonial Theologies on a Global Scale · Panel 7: Building Another Possible World with the WSF and the WFTL · Integration workshops
Day 4
World Social Forum — Opening Day
WSF registration · Opening march · Opening ceremony and inaugural conferences
Days 5–8
WFTL Activities within the WSF
Panel 8: Listening and Creating — Feminist Conversations in Religious Spaces · Panel 9: Climate Change — Earth Rights and the Rights of the Poor · Screening of the documentary The Gospel of the Revolution
Day 9
Closing — Weaving Liberating Sovereignty
Panel 10: Weaving a Liberating Sovereignty — Forum Wrap-Up · Evaluation and closing celebration · End 1:00 PM
Forum Documents
Short Program Overview
A concise overview of the forum’s schedule, theme, and key information. Ideal for sharing and quick reference.
Official Full Program
The complete multilingual program (FR · EN · ES · PT) with all panels, speakers, times, and workshop details.
Speaker Biographies & Abstracts
Full biographies and paper abstracts from all presenters, in their original languages (FR · EN · ES · PT).
Ready to participate?
Register to attend in person in Cotonou, or join online via Zoom.
The forum is multilingual with simultaneous interpretation in four languages.
WFTL · FMTL · 12th Edition · Cotonou 2026 · wftlofficial.org