The circle of concerned African women theologians (1989-2007): history and theology

[摘要] This thesis is about the history and theology of the Circle of Concerned African WomenTheologians (CIRCLE) from 1989 to 2007. The Thesis begins the history from 1989because this is the time when the Circle was officially launched. The year 2007 is the cutoffpoint because this research was finalized during the third convocation which ended inthat year. The thesis uses a gendered analysis with a feminist bias. Thus experiences ofwomen were a major source for the thesis. This thesis argues that the Circle is an Africanbom in ecumenical surroundings. The Mother of the Circle is Mercy Amba Oduyoye.However, ecumenical bodies such as the World Council of Churches (WCC) and theEcumenical Association of Third World Theologians (EATWOT) also played a role. Thenumerical, leadership and administrative growth of the Circle was the product ofcollaborative work by many members of the Circle. The continental leaders of the Circlegave shape and direction to the Circle while pioneering Circle women and their directdisciples became key agents in promoting the Circle in their various geographical areas.Since its establishment, the Circle has made significant contributions, especially in thefield of academia. This is evidenced by a pool of publications by the Circle and itsmembers. The other major contribution to academia is the production of Circle theology.This theology is the voice of African feminists in Africa and beyond. It is characterizedby its creativity and distinctiveness as it emphasizes the role of culture and religion in theformulation of African Feminist theology. This theology is diverse and includesevangelical as well as liberal feminist reflections.Using Malawi as a reference point, the spread of the Circle into various geographicalareas is conditioned by several factors. In addition, Circle theology can not be applieduncritically to a given context of women. Circle theology as an elite theology must cometo terms with the many contradictions in the lives of grassroots women that may be achallenge to appropriating Circle theology summarily. Since Circle theology is valuablein partially solving the problems women face today, there must be an effort to process thetheology and make it a liberative tool for grassroots women today, based on their context.

[发布机构] University of the Free State