Interdisciplinary Academic Dialogue on Reparation in Ecclesial Contexts
Noviembre 20–24, 2026 · El Sargento, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The Mexico Expert Meeting is a forum for interdisciplinary academic dialogue focused on the issue of reparations for abuses committed within church contexts. Drawing on an analysis of the major international reports from the past two decades, the meeting aims to reflect on ways to understand and address the harm caused, integrating ethical, legal, psychosocial, and theological perspectives.
Venue
The event will take place in El Sargento, a coastal town in Baja California Sur, which offers an ideal setting for academic reflection and interdisciplinary dialogue. Ground transportation will be provided for all participants from nearby airports. The trip from Manuel Márquez de León International Airport in La Paz (LAP) takes approximately 45 minutes, while the estimated travel time from San José de Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is about 2 hours.
November 20–24, 2026
El Sargento, Baja California Sur, México
El sargento
Objective
The goal is to foster a collective discussion centered on a key question: How can we conceptualize and implement reparations in these contexts?
To this end, the event will bring together specialists from various disciplines in a format that fosters ongoing dialogue, with the aim of identifying common ground, areas of tension, and unresolved challenges.
Methodology
The event is organized into thematic panels, each consisting of two experts from different disciplines—such as law, theology, philosophy, and the social sciences—and a moderator who guides the discussion.
Participants are asked to prepare a preliminary draft to be shared in advance, in order to facilitate informed and substantive discussions.
Each session will last two hours and will include short presentations, a discussion among experts, and an open discussion with participants.
The format emphasizes interdisciplinary exchange, the identification of common ground, and the analysis of conceptual challenges.
The conference will include sessions to summarize the day’s proceedings at the end of each day, as well as a joint closing reflection. In addition, there are plans to produce an academic publication following the event.
Participants
Experts from various disciplines and countries are participating in an interdisciplinary dialogue on reparations.
Organizing Committee
🇲🇽 Dr. Daniel Portillo T.
CEPROME LATINOAMÉRICA
🇨🇱 Dra. Carolina Montero O.
Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez
🇪🇸 Dr. Jordi Pujol
Pontificia Università della Santa Croce
Speakers
🇦🇺 Dra. Kathleen McPhillips
The University of Newcastle
🇨🇱 Dra. Carolina Montero O.
Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez
🇺🇸 Dr. Dan Philpott
University of Notre Dame
Speakers
🇺🇸 Dr. Thomas Berg
University of Notre Dame
🇪🇸 Dra. Gema Varona
Basque Institute of Criminology
🇦🇷 Dr. Daniel Medina
Universidad Católica Argentina
🇳🇿 Dra. Anna Tydd
One-Resolve
🇺🇸 Dr. J. Paul Kimes
University of Notre Dame
🇪🇸 Dr. Jaime Cárdenas
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
🇪🇸 Dra. María Rosario Gonzalez
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
🇨🇱 Dra. Judith Schoensteiner
Universidad Diego Portales
🇵🇾 Dra. María Angelina Luna Pastore
CEPROME LATINOAMÉRICA
🇨🇱 Dra. Marcela Zúñiga
Universidad Diego Portales
🇺🇸 Dr. John Seitz
Fordham University
🇪🇸 Mons. Francisco Javier Acero
CEPROME LATINOAMÉRICA
🇵🇹 Dra. Sónia da Silva Monteiro
Fordham University
🇵🇷 Dr. (c.) Samuel Velázquez
Arquidiocesis de San Juan
🇺🇸 Dr. Marcus Mescher
Xavier University
🇨🇱 Dra. Andrea Idalsoaga
Arquidiócesis de Santiago
🇺🇸 Dr. Dan Philpott
University of Notre Dame
🇨🇴 Dra. Ilva Myriam Hoyos
CEPROME LATINOAMÉRICA
🇦🇺 Dra. Kathleen McPhillips
The University of Newcastle
🇲🇽 Dra. Patricia Espinosa
Pontifical Commission for the protection of minors
🇪🇸 Dr. Jordi Pujol
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
🇨🇱 Dra. Paulina Pérez
Arquidiócesis De Santiago
🇦🇷 Lic. María Inés Franck
ceprome latinoamérica
🇨🇱 Dra. Carolina Montero
Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez
Program
November
QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED
To enter Mexico, visitors must have:
- Valid passport
- Visa (if required based on nationality)
- Immigration Form (FMM, if applicable)
- Invitation letter or proof of the purpose of the trip
- Departure ticket
A visa is not required for those who hold a valid visa for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, or the Schengen Area.
Currently, Mexico does not require international tourists to be vaccinated in order to enter the country.
However:
- If you have recently traveled to countries where there is a risk of yellow fever (Africa or certain regions of South America), you may be asked to present an international vaccination certificate.
- In that case, the vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before travel.
We also recommend:
- Be up to date on basic vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A/B)
- Use of sunscreen and proper moisturization
A variety of lodging options are available at special rates:
- Stella Maris (English-speaking community)
- Urban Lofts
- El Marlín Azul
- Baja Joe’s
- Airbnb Options
- La Paz Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP) – a 45-minute drive to El Sargento.
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) – a 2-hour drive to El Sargento.
The organizing committee will provide safe transportation from the airport to the event venue. Once you exit the airport, you will see a member of our team holding a sign with your name on it.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel health insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
In November, the weather in Baja California Sur is warm and dry:
- Temperature: 22°F – 26°F
- Low humidity and no rain
The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN).
- U.S. dollars are accepted in some places
- The team can assist with currency exchange.
Participants will have Wi-Fi access in their accommodations.
Mexico uses Type A/B plugs (127V). An adapter is recommended.
The official language is Spanish. In this tourist area, it is common to find people who speak English, especially at lodging facilities and restaurants.
El Sargento is a peaceful community. However, participants are advised to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their personal belongings and avoiding leaving valuables in their vehicles.
The area features a variety of local restaurants offering seafood, Mexican, and international cuisine. We recommend letting us know in advance about any dietary restrictions so we can accommodate your needs.
In Mexico, social interactions tend to be relaxed and informal; however, respect and courtesy are particularly valued in these interactions.
If you have any questions or encounter an emergency, attendees can contact the organizing committee through the event’s official channels.
Attendees who require an invoice must request one in accordance with the guidelines established by the organizing committee.
