Leonardo
Boff is a Brazilian theologian, philosopher, writer and former Catholic Priest.
He is one of the best known of the early promoters of Liberation Theology, a spiritual
philosophy that views political activism to bring justice to the poor and oppressed
as an important part of the Christian mission. His teachings sometimes put him
at odds with the Catholic Church, eventually causing him to renounce his activities
as a priest. Leonardo Boff has served as a professor of spirituality and theology
at universities in Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United
States and has written more than 60 books about spirituality, philosophy, ecological
sustainability and liberation theology. In 1991 he received the Right Livelihood
Award, often called the Alternative Nobel Prize, " for his inspiring insights
and practical work to help people realize the links between human spirituality,
social justice and environmental stewardship."