By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has called for the promotion of women empowerment, equality in leadership roles within the church and collaboration with organisations that promote gender equality.
The Director of Gender and Women of AACC, Dr Lydia Mwaniki, made the call at the Women’s Pre-Assembly on Friday, in Abuja.
The event with the theme ” The Love of Christ Compels us to Promote Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Africa” was organised by the AACC.
According to her, the occasion is not merely a gathering of minds and voices; it is a sacred convergence of hearts and souls united by a profound theme that resonates at the core Christian values.
The theme of the women’s pre-assembly, which we have gathered to contemplate is not a mere slogan or a fleeting aspiration.
It is a profound declaration of intent, a call to action deeply rooted in the teaching of Christ Himself However, there are challenges that militants against achieving equality in the body of Christ.
Some of the challenges include traditional interpretations of scripture, cultural norms and practice, systemic bias and discrimination, traditional interpretations of Scripture, resistance to change, lack of opportunities for education and training and traditional gender role among others.
“We, therefore, call for the promotion of equality in leadership. economy empowerment of women, address gender inequality issues openly, address unconscious bias, education of the congregation and collaboration with organisations that promotes gender equality.
“All these could be justified with the scripture in 2 Corinthians 5: 14, Galatians 3:27. Galatians 3:28. Our mission to promote Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is not just a noble aspiration, it is a divine calling,” she said.
According to her, it is an embodiment of the love of Christ, a love that transcends boundaries, defies stereotypes, and empowers every individual regardless of gender.
“As we leave this conference, let us carry this message of love and equality within us, like a torch that illuminates the path of righteousness”.
Mwaniki reiterated that there is the need to recognize and address the earlier mentioned barriers so that gender equality and women’s empowerment would be realized within the church.
She also explained that a critical step in breaking down the barriers is engaging in open and respectful dialogue with Church leaders.
She added that the love of Christ encourages us to approach these conversations with humility, understanding, and a commitment to mutual growth, adding that there is need to promote inclusive policies and practice.
“By fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and cooperation, we can bridge the gap between different perspectives and work collaboratively toward achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Through our collective efforts, we can make this vision a reality and shining as beacons of Christ’s love and equality in a world that so desperately needs them. she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the interactive section, some of the delegates suggested the need to give women the opportunity to man the church, encourage women to study theology and always advocate from an informed perspective.
They also suggested mentorship to enhance sustainability and use the negative cultural norms and values to the advantage of women in the church.
NAN reports that delegates were drawn from different churches from over 50 countries in Africa and others from Europe and America. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)