Gender Audit of churches launched

Launching. NCAs Anne-Marie Helland distributes The Gender Audit to delegates at the AACC general assembly. Photo: Isaiah Kipyegon/ NCAEA

The gender audit, which was done in churches in Malawi, Zambia and South Africa, was launched by the All African Conference of Churches (AACC) Secretary General Rev. Dr. Mvume Dandala, who challenged the church leaders in attendance to go back to their churches and homes and ensure that the findings were implemented.

- This audit is a direct challenge for us not only to take action in our churches but also in our lives, said Rev. Dr. Dandala.

Gender equality in churches

The studies analyze various church doctrines, practices, statutes and policies as they affect gender relations within the church as an institution, and to what extent these promote or hinder the attainment of gender justice. More urgently, the studies were driven by the scourge of violence against women and children in the society and a desire to develop a concerted church response to address the problem.

The studies were a combination of field and secondary research and aim to bring to fore the often sensitive issue of gender within the church, and also to assist church institutions in developing strategies and focusing their work on gender equality more effectively. In most churches, women do not experience equality, and scrutiny of many church teachings, beliefs and practices reveals a culture of inequality and patterns of domination of women.

Gender issues. A new Gender Audit bring to fore the often sensitive issue of gender issues within the church. The audit was presented during the AACC general assembly 2008 in Mozambique. Photo: Isaiah Kipyegon/NCAEA

A touchy subject in churches

- The country studies reveal intriguing and varying results on each theme. The churches are clearly at different levels in terms of gender equality with some making more progress than others. It is interesting also to note how patriarchy remains dominant and also how various interpretations of the bible are used to maintain the status core. Gender is often a touchy subject within the church but we have been encouraged by the fact that the churches are now beginning to show interest to engage the studies, says Moreblessings Chidaushe in NCA South Africa.

The studies are being launched at different national levels and used for discussion and advocacy with various church institutions.

The audit is funded by Norwegian Church Aid – Southern Africa, an ecumenical partner of the AACC, and produced by Pietermaritzburg Agency for Christian Social Awareness in consultation with the School of Religion and Theology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council and South African Council of Churches.

For more information, contact:

• Moreblessings Chidaushe on e-mail:
• Press contact in NCA on telephone: 932 42 493