<![CDATA[This research explores the dynamic relationship between the Church, ecclesial awareness, and Dayak Catholics in West Kalimantan from a theological perspective. This study aims to understand how cultural heritage and Catholic faith interact and shape religious identity, communal belonging, participation, and responsibility within the Church. This qualitative case study used a contextual theological framework and included closed-ended questionnaires administered to 106 participants. The data were then analyzed through a theological interpretation of cultural and ecclesial practices. This study found that Dayak cultural preservation extends to cultural identity, communal values, inherited wisdom, and social solidarity. Regarding the Church’s involvement, Dayak cultural practices and the Catholic faith engage in constructive dialogue. The Church facilitates participation in worship, sacramental life, and ecclesial activities, and incorporates appropriate cultural expressions into its celebrations. Eventually, ecclesial awareness is expressed not only through religious observance but also through belonging, communal responsibility, service, and solidarity. Theologically, inculturation is a discerning encounter between culture and the gospel that strengthens Dayak cultural identity while fostering a mature, participatory, and service-oriented Catholic ecclesial life.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
