José Koopmans
José Koopmans (born September 1, 1939 in Kampen (Netherlands) as Joop Koopmans ; † June 3, 2011 in Teixera de Freitas , Brazil ) was a Dutch priest and social reformer .
life and work
José Koopmans was born on September 1, 1939 in the small Dutch town of Kampen. After training as a retail salesman , he decided to study Catholic theology in Vienna . Because of his interest in social issues, after his ordination and a short-term commitment in the Rodaun parish, he decided to go to Brazil .
The planned study trip turned into a lifelong stay. Joop Koopmans stayed in Brazil until the end of his life and took Brazilian citizenship a few years after his arrival. He worked as a chaplain until 1989 , later also as a pastor in Itanhém . In addition to his religious work, he was very involved in the social field, promoted grassroots communities , established a social center and was involved in the issue of the landless ( sem terra ). His social commitment repeatedly brought José Koopmans into conflict with politicians, corporations and large landowners. Parts of the official church also often disagreed with his theses, which were classified as radical in the social field.
In 1989 he moved to Teixeira de Freitas and founded a center for the defense of human rights . The social aspects of ecological conflicts ( deforestation , establishment of new plantations) in Brazil moved more and more into the focus of his work. In the course of this, he campaigned against the massive cultivation of eucalyptus monocultures in the states of Bahia and Espirito Santo .
His work is directly related to the theology of liberation , which he always regarded as one of the most essential currents within the Catholic Church, despite criticism from within the church. Just like the internal critics, the numerous death threats that were pronounced against him could not dissuade him from his commitment to social justice and ecology .
The Foundation
José Koopman's sudden death on June 3, 2011 came unexpectedly. Since he founded the FUNPAJ - Fundação Padre José Koopmans foundation - just a few months before his death - his life's work will be continued. Several book publications and documentaries are still today a reminder of his commitment to the Brazilian people and nature.
Web links
- Joop Koopmans Memorial website
- Joop Koopman's blog for social and ecological topics
- Parish Rodaun (Vienna)
- Pastor Joop Koopmans Foundation | Fundação Padre José Koopmans (Brazil)
Films about José Koopmans
- Embracing life , Mödling 1990
- Land grab , Vienna 1997
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Koopmans, José |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Koopmans, Joop (maiden name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Dutch priest and social reformer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | September 1, 1939 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Kampen (Netherlands) |
| DATE OF DEATH | June 3, 2011 |
| Place of death | Teixera de Freitas |