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African Women Theologians Set Ambitious Goals

STRASBOURG, France — By 2009, at least 20 additional Mennonite and Brethren in Christ women across Africa will be trained in theology. That is one goal the continental committee of African Women Theologians (AWT) anticipates achieving.

In the same four years, the women hope to make their churches more aware of the contributions of women, to help girls develop a sense of belonging in the church and to liberate themselves by re-interpreting biblically and culturally oppressive doctrines, beliefs and practices.

The women also propose raising $1,000 (US) among themselves towards maintaining a continental office by the time the AWT committee meets the next time, in November 2007 in Zambia. The women committee members come from eight countries — Zimbabwe, Zambia, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Namibia and Angola. Each country is expected to raise $125 (US) over three years.

Other more immediate goals include: urging churches to assist women who wish to train in theology; continuing dialogue with churches on ordaining women who are trained in theology; educating churches and individuals about HIV/AIDS and developing income-generating projects for families who have lost wage earners to AIDS; initiating roles for women in peace and reconciliation work and in counselling and support in situations of injustice and abuse; and tithing the meagre resources they have to empower each other economically.

AWT was able to help two women set up income-generating projects and to help another woman doing her BA in theology to re-establish herself after fire destroyed her home.

According to the most recent inventory, Namibia leads the eight countries with six ordained women. Congo has one, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania have none. Angola and Kenya report having "deaconesses," some of whom are said to be ordained but in need of training and without the roles and responsibilities of pastors. Malawi did not send a report.

Zimbabwe reported 169 women trained in theology or in training at certificate, diploma or university levels, by far the highest number among the five countries reporting. They included Tanzania (24), Congo (20), Zambia (9) and Kenya (5).

Congo, however, reported 13 women with university degrees in theology, 10 more than Zimbabwe. Zambia and Kenya each reported two.

Women are engaged in evangelism, leading Bible studies, prayer ministries and assisting pastors. They continue to struggle with issues of ordination, with not being allowed to assume full ministerial roles and with less financial support than male theology students. These are issues AWT will recommend church leaders in their countries to revisit.