Theology Remains A Male Stronghold In India
16/5/08
Some women theologians say theology in India is still dominated by men because Church traditions remain patriarchal and leaders have yet to accept women as theologians. Women theologians “are inferior to none,” Sister Pauline Chakkalakal told UCA News. “But we have to fight for recognition, as Church leaders (have) yet to recognize and accept the role of women theologians in India,” said the Daughters of St. Paul nun, who has a doctorate in biblical theology. Other women theologians also spoke with UCA News on the sidelines of the Indian Theological Association’s annual meeting. That event, held April 26-30 in Aluva, near Kochi, 2,595 kilometers south of New Delhi, brought together 64 theologians, including five laypeople and seven nuns. Sister Chakkalakal, 55, pointed out that the Church’s mission would fail if it does not assure gender equality within the Church. This is why she takes it as a “challenge” to fight for gender equality within the Church, she said. “It’s a fight for Jesus and part of my conviction.”
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Tags: Christianity, Gender Issues, India