Hekima University College, on September 3, launched the book African Women Theologians & Synodality, authored by various individuals who presented papers during the first HUC Conference on African Women Theologians held in March 2024. Sr. Mumbi Kigutha, CPPC, who gave a review of the book, opened with a marketing-style call to action: “Buy the book!” She introduced the anthology as a theological exploration of how African women theologians engage with Synodality — a way of life emphasizing inclusivity, dialogue, and collective decision-making.
The book highlights the frequently neglected contributions and endeavors of women, both lay and religious, particularly when women themselves participate in scholarly research and document their roles in addressing challenges within social and ecclesiastical communities across the African Continent.
According to Sr. Mumbi, the book critiques patriarchal church structures while affirming the spiritual and theological contributions of African women. Drawing on African cultural realities and lived experiences, it calls for listening, participation, and empowerment to build a more just and inclusive Church and society. The anthology addresses key themes, which include Synodality as a way of life, Women’s voices in theology, Patriarchy and exclusion, Cultural and spiritual integration, and hope and transformation
The publication blends academic theology with African cultural wisdom, offering prophetic critiques and hopeful visions. Key insights highlighted argue that Synodality cannot be realized without gender inclusivity, African women’s theological voices are indispensable for Church renewal, the Church must move from token inclusion to authentic shared leadership, and that African cultural models of dialogue and consensus can enrich global Catholicism.
Sr. Mumbi then highlighted selected chapters, originally keynote addresses from a prior conference:
- Chapter 1 – Dr. Jacinta Opondo (Kenya): Hekima University College and the call for theological and synodal empowerment of women; critiques and proposes new pathways for inclusion, explaining why African women’s voices are vital for reimagining Church structures.
- Chapter 2 – Dr. Josee Ngalula (DRC): “Working Together as a Listening Church”; explores biblical roots of Synodality, critiques patriarchal theology, and calls for feminist, African-centered applications.
- Chapter 3 – Dr. Lisa Cahill (USA): “African Women’s Theology, Appreciation and Dialogue”; affirms African women’s contributions, highlighting Ubuntu, consensus, storytelling, and communal rituals as inclusive models missing in hierarchical systems.
- Chapter 4 Prof. Shawn Copeland (USA): “Synodality, the Decolonial and Theology as Political”; presents testimonies of African women theologians facing marginalization, clericalism, gender-based violence, and exclusion, balancing critique with hope in their resilience and leadership.
- Chapter 5 – Prof. Mary Getui (Kenya): “Speak, Listen, and Speak Again”; emphasizes ecumenical collaboration, integrating theology, culture, and lived experience into a vision of equal participation, justice, and transformative dialogue.
Other contributors were present at the launch and would share further insights during the conference.
Sr. Mumbi concluded by stressing the book’s theological and ecclesial significance: it challenges Patriarchy, integrates African culture and spirituality, and models Synodality for the global Church. She drew parallels between Ubuntu and the Church’s call to Synodality, noting that Ubuntu both aligns with and challenges the Church to live its mission authentically.
The book is described as “prophetic,” “beautiful,” and a call for the Catholic Church to embrace African women’s wisdom as essential for a truly synodal future — punctuated repeatedly with the call: “Buy the book!”
Stephen Eyeowa, SJ, Jacinta Opondo, FSSA, Gladys Ndege, SE, and Mary Wambua, SMMG edited the book. The book, published by Paulins Publications, retails for Kenya Shillings 1,500 and is available at Catholic Bookshops in Kenya. HUC Principal Rev. Fr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, assured that Hekima University College will ensure that the book is translated into the French language to enable French-speaking Nations, among whom are the authors of chapters in the book.
The book is divided into five parts and has 22 chapters. Part One discusses women, African, and Keynote speeches, comprising five chapters (1-5). The second part discusses Synodality and its Ecclesiastical implications, comprising four chapters (6-9). The third part discusses Synodality and the Bible, comprising five chapters (10-14). The fourth part discusses Synodality and Canon Law, comprising three chapters (15-17). Finally, Part Five, the last part, discusses Synodality for Pastoral Efficiency and shall consist of five chapters (18-22).
The other authors include: Florence Adetoun Oso, Nora K. Nonterah, Mirabel Nagei Kendaunyi, Stellamaris Mutindi, Gifty Ama Kyerewaa Dei Dawson, Agnes Ifeyinwa Acha, Alice M. Nsiah, Rala Mukep Carine, Anastacia Kanza, Sabine Ursule Ngueme, Chin Ngoinso Kong Pia, Mercy Shumbamhini, Jane Wanjiru Kairu, Mary Nzilani Wambua, Henrietta Anne Owino, and Stephen Eyeowa.
By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications Coordinator
