News
Renowned biblical scholar and consultant for the Indigenous Peoples programme at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Maria Chavez Quispe passed away on 24 July in Liestal, Switzerland. Coming from the Methodist Church of Bolivia, Chavez was a committed advocate for inclusive communities. She fought a long battle with cancer.
The WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed deep sadness over Chavez passing away. In his tribute to Chavez, he admired her contribution to the WCC and ecumenical movement.
“Maria was born in Bolivia in La Paz, which means peace. She came to us at the WCC in peace. She worked for peace. And finally, she left us with a deeper understanding of what peace means,” said Tveit.
“Through her focused and faithful work related to theological reflection and advocacy for just and inclusive communities and indigenous peoples in particular, as well as her gentle demeanour and collegiality, the WCC, the ecumenical movement, and likewise the WCC staff community have been made stronger and richer,” he added.
Before joining the WCC, Chavez taught at several theological institutions and was deeply involved with grassroots advocacy efforts for the rights of Indigenous Peoples. She was also part of social movements and mobilized groups of women in local churches.
Chavez was also a member of The Ecumenical Review advisory committee, and was guest editor of the December 2010 issue of articles by Indigenous theologians.
She is survived by her husband, Hansueli Meier, and her daughter, Zoe.
