Writing, Sharing, Doing

Abstract

The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians is an interfaith international movement to promote research and writing concerning: Women in Culture and Religion, Cultural and Biblical Hermeneutics, the History of Women, and Ministries and Theological Education and Formation. Through its objectives, the Circle hopes to create space for women in theology. This study focuses on the contributions of Mercy Amba Oduyoye, Musa W. Dube, and the Centre for Constructive Theology to promote the missions of the Circle. Oduyoye proclaims the double sufferings of patriarchy and imperialism that African women still face even years after liberation from colonialism. Musa Dube calls on biblical readers to demonstrate awareness of not only patriarchal literary strategies within the Bible, but those of imperialism as well. She hopes this decolonizing feminist conscious will foster liberating ways of interdependence. At the Centre for Constructive Theology, Isabel Phiri improves the opportunity for women to form and assert their own identity and autonomy through programs that link theology and faith to the practical concerns and needs of the women. With boldness and courage these theologians envision a world where women and men, the powerless and powerful, live in balanced cooperation.