1st Edition
Gender and African Indigenous Religions
Focusing on the work of contemporary African women researchers, this volume explores feminist perspectives in relation to African Indigenous Religions (AIR). It evaluates what the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians’ research has achieved and proposed since its launch in 1989, their contribution to the world of knowledge and liberation, and the potential application to nurturing a justice-oriented world. The book considers the methodologies used amongst the Circle to study African Indigenous Religions, the AIR sources of knowledge that are drawn on, and the way in which women are characterized. It reflects on how ideas drawn from African Indigenous Religions might address issues of patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism, racism, tribalism, and sexual and disability-based discrimination. The chapters examine theologies of specific figures. The book will be of interest to scholars of religion, gender studies, Indigenous studies, and African studies.
Part 1 Introductions
1 Sankofa 2024: Multi-Axial Sankofa Journeys, Dreams, and Dances
Musa W. Dube
2 Postcolonial Feminist Perspective African Indigenous Religion(s)
Musa W. Dube
Part 2 Sankofa Journeys of Founding Members
3 Mothering Theology of Liberation in the Circle with Mama Mercy Amba Oduyoye
Mairo Anthony
4 Musimbi Kanyoro’s Feminist Cultural Hermeneutics and Its Role in African Indigenous Religions
Alice K. Shirengo Muse
5 African Indigenous Religions and Gender in the Work of Elizabeth Amoah
Joyce Boham
Part 3 Sankofa Journeys of the First Generation of the Circle
6 Hannah Kinoti’s African Indigenous Ethics for Liberation
Telesia K. Musili
7 Theologising the Depths of African Sacredness – Camagu!: Unmasking the Authenticity of African Spirituality: Profiling Professor Nokuzola Mudende
Zamantshali Dlamini
8 Seratwa Ntloedibe Decolonising African Indigenous Religious Perspectives
Doreen Sesiro
9 Diviner Scholar: Musa W. Dube’s Work with AIR in Biblical Studies
Mantima Thekiso
10 Mary Getui, African Indigenous Religions, and Society
Florence Iminza
11 Rose Mary Amenga-Etego’s Liberation Theologies on Women Empowerment in Ghana
Daniel Nii Aboagye Aryeh
12 Gender and African Religion in Sana Mmolai’s Work
Sidney K. Berman
Part 4 Sankofa Journeys of the Rising Stars of the Circle
13 Christianity and Womanhood: The African Woman’s Experience
Yoknyam Dabale
14 A Liberating Theology for Africana Womanism
M. Lisa Hardy
Biography
Musa W. Dube is William Ragsdale Cannon Distinguished Professor of New Testament Literature in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, USA. She is the Continental Coordinator of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians (2019–2024).
Telesia K. Musili is a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She is a national coordinator of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.
Sylvia Owusu-Ansah is Dean of the School of Theology at Perez University, Ghana. She is Vice-President of the Missiological Society of Ghana, based at Trinity Theological Seminary, and Head Pastor of Revival Temple, Perez Chapel International La.
