Liberation theology is a Christian theological approach that emphasizes the liberation of the oppressed. It is a socio-economic analysis that addresses social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed peoples ¹. It was influential in Latin America, especially within Catholicism in the 1960s after the Second Vatican Council ¹. The movement was led by theologians such as Frei Betto, Gustavo Gutiérrez, Leonardo Boff, and Jesuits Juan Luis Segundo and Jon Sobrino ¹. The phrase "preferential option for the poor" was popularized by Jesuit Fr. General Pedro Arrupe in 1968 and soon after the World Synod of Catholic Bishops in 1971 chose as its theme "Justice in the World" ¹. Latin America also produced Protestant advocates of liberation theology, such as Rubem Alves, José Míguez Bonino, and C. René Padilla, who called for integral mission, emphasizing evangelism and social responsibility ¹².

¹: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_theology)

²: [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/liberation-theology)

Source: Conversation with Bing, 8/26/2023

(1) Liberation theology - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_theology.

(2) Liberation theology | Description, History, & Beliefs | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/liberation-theology.

(3) BBC - Religions - Christianity: Liberation theology. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/beliefs/liberationtheology.shtml.