Abstract:
In practical theology the experiences of outsiders should be taken seriously. Heteronormativity should be uprooted and replaced by a kind of thinking that does not regard the pairs acceptable/unacceptable, sacred/secular, orthodox/heterodox, inside/outside the church as mutually exclusive. Breaking the hegemony of heteronormativity calls for the transformation of the institutional church with its tradition and theology in order that the church can become part of the lives of marginalised and excluded people in a liberating way. Trends in practical theology illustrate how exclucivism is being overcome. First there was a shift from an emphasis on clergy to include laity and later to also embrace outsiders in such a way that they can also enrich the faith community. This “transvaluation of values” constitutes the perspective from which practical theology can look to the future. The objective is that this holistic spirituality will become the focal point of the practical formation of theological students.
