From Swords to Plowshares: CBAP 27th Annual Convention 2026

The Board of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP) officially announces the convocation of its 27th Annual Convention, to be held on September 18–20, 2026 (Fri-Sun), at the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) Tower, UN Avenue, Manila.

In a world increasingly marked by war, conflict, division, and uncertainty, this year’s convention gathers biblical scholars, clergy, religious, and lay faithful to reflect on the enduring power of the Word of God as a source of peace, justice, and hope.

📖 Theme

“Beat Swords to Plowshares, Be Peacemakers”

(cf. Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9): The Word in a World at War

Rooted in the prophetic vision of Isaiah—where instruments of violence are transformed into tools of life—and in the Beatitudes of Jesus, which call us to be peacemakers, this theme invites a deeper engagement with Scripture as a force that heals, challenges, and transforms.

In times of war and unrest, the Word of God does not remain silent. It speaks—calling humanity to conversion, reconciliation, and the courageous work of building peace.

🌏 International Keynote Speaker

Rev. Fr. Selva Rathinam, SJ

Professor of Old Testament, Loyola School of Theology

The convention is honored to welcome Rev. Fr. Selva Rathinam, SJ, an internationally respected biblical scholar from India.

Fr. Rathinam specializes in Isaiah, postcolonial biblical interpretation, biblical theology, Ignatian pedagogy, and spiritual direction. He obtained his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute (Biblicum), Rome, and his Doctorate from the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California.

He previously served as President of Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth in Pune, India, and is the author of: “Suffering, Resistance and Freedom: A Postcolonial Subaltern (Dalit) Study of Isaiah 52:13–53:12”(JD-ISPCK Theological Publications Series, No. 7, 2025).

His work brings a powerful voice from the Global South, engaging Scripture through the lens of suffering, resistance, and liberation—deeply resonant with this year’s theme.

📅 Convention Details

• Dates: September 18–20, 2026

• Venue: Philippine Bible Society (PBS) Tower, UN Avenue, Manila

  
  

📩 Contact Information

• 📧 Email: cbap1999@gmail.com

• 📱 Mobile: 0945-108-7661 (Fr. Randy Flores, SVD)

  
  

🏛️ CBAP Leadership

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines is currently led by:

• President: Rev. Fr. Clarence Marquez, OP (University of Santo Tomas)

• Executive Director: Rev. Fr. Randy Flores, SVD (Divine Word School of Theology, Tagaytay)

The Association is guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees composed of biblical scholars and educators from various institutions across the country.

👉 For the complete list of current Board of Trustees, please visit:https://www.mycbap.org/bot

🌿 About CBAP

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP) is an association composed of biblical scholars, theologians, and professors, together with associate members engaged in the study and teaching of Sacred Scripture.

Founded in 1999, CBAP aims to advance biblical studies in the Philippines by:

• promoting research,

• holding annual conventions, and

• publishing scholarly works and proceedings.

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While its core membership consists of specialists in biblical studies, the Association remains open to observers, welcoming students, pastoral workers, and all who desire to deepen their engagement with the Word of God.

CBAP holds office at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Reg. No. A2000003849).

👥 Membership in CBAP

The Association offers several categories of membership:

📘 Full Membership

Full members hold a graduate degree equivalent to a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (S.S.L.) and are actively engaged in biblical scholarship, research, and teaching.

📗 Associate Membership

Associate members possess:

• a Master’s degree with specialization in Biblical Studies, or

• a Licentiate in Theology,

and demonstrate adequate knowledge of biblical languages, particularly Hebrew and Greek.

📙 Sustaining Membership

Sustaining members are individuals who, though not eligible for full or associate membership, support the mission and activities of CBAP through an annual membership contribution.

👀 Observers

CBAP also welcomes observers who may participate in its annual conventions and academic activities, providing an avenue for wider engagement in biblical scholarship.

🌿 An Invitation

The CBAP warmly invites its members and invited observes and guests  to participate in this significant annual gathering.

More than an academic conference, the CBAP Convention is a space of encounter—where Scripture is studied, prayed, and lived. It is an opportunity to listen anew to the Word of God and to discern how we are called to become peacemakers in a world at war.

Let us come together to reflect, dialogue, and be renewed—so that swords may indeed be turned into plowshares,and the Word may bear fruit in lives committed to peace.