Hekima Principal Calls for Action and Hope at Closing of African Women Theologians Conference
The African Women Theologians Conference at Hekima University College came to a powerful close with a heartfelt address by Hekima University College Principal Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, who praised the gathering as “a living theology” — where ideas met faith, dialogue, and the daily realities of African women.
Dr. Uwineza commended the participants for their thoughtful reflections, engaging discussions, and mutual listening during the multi-day event. “This was not just a meeting of ideas, but a living theology,” he said, noting that the conference re-read Scripture through women’s eyes, reclaimed the voices of biblical heroines such as Mary Magdalene, Ruth, and Lydia, and named the ongoing struggles of African women as theological concerns.
The Principal emphasized that the discussions made theology tangible — rooted in justice, reconciliation, and solidarity. “Synodality without solidarity is empty,” he affirmed, urging theologians to continue embodying faith through compassionate action.
He outlined three major theological insights that emerged:
- Christology: Christ as Emmanuel, the God who walks with His people, especially women and the marginalized.
- Trinity: A model of communion and shared mission that rejects domination and hierarchy.
- Pneumatology: The Holy Spirit as the creative force breathing new life into African theology, especially through women’s leadership and self-care.
Looking ahead, Dr. Uwineza proposed four priorities for the theologians’ ongoing work: reclaiming women in Scripture and Church tradition, promoting synodal leadership formation, confronting patriarchy and gender-based violence, and deepening theology rooted in relationality and creativity.
He also announced plans for next year’s conference, which he hopes will include priests, bishops, men religious, and lay men. “Let us return not only as women theologians but alongside our brothers,” he said, calling for collaboration in renewing the Church and the continent.
In a light-hearted yet profound anecdote, Dr. Uwineza compared the search for God’s presence to a man frantically looking for his glasses — while wearing them all along. “The essential — Christ among us, the Spirit within us, and the communion of the Trinity — has been with us all along,” he reflected.
He concluded with a prayerful sending, asking God to strengthen participants as healers, bridge-builders, and witnesses to a Church that truly walks together.
Dr. Uwineza expressed warm thanks to the conference steering committee, led by the Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sister Jacinta Opondo, as well as to Sr. Mumbi and the Watawa wa Taa community for their partnership.
“As principal of Hekima University College, my role is to provide space for women and men to emerge and shine — and when necessary, to challenge for growth,” he said. “Do not pull us down; help us succeed, and together let us be people moved by the Good Spirit.”
The closing speech ended on a note of gratitude and mission — a call for Africa’s women theologians to carry forward the spirit of synodality, justice, and hope into their communities, the Church, and beyond.
