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More than 130 theological educators from southern Africa met at the Association of Theological Institutions in Southern Africa Conference at the University of Zimbabwe, 18-22 July.
Deliberating on the theme “Religion, Citizenship and Development: Southern Perspectives,” presenters from theological institutions and church-related universities addressed the active citizenship of women and girls, youth and marginalised groups in a changing context.
The World Council of Churches Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy supported the participation of some members of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.
“There can be no development without addressing the vulnerability of girls and young women to HIV,” said Rev. Dr Felicidade Chirinda from Mozambique. Other members of the circle echoed the same sentiment and urged theological institutions to continue to revamp their curricula in order to equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills to contribute towards development.
The conference provided an opportunity for theological educators from the region to reflect on the role of religion in promoting development, as well as the challenges posed by religion in the quest for active citizenship.
Participants from Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe drew up plans to mobilise religion for active citizenship and development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, challenged theological educators to invest in political literacy in order to capacitate students to promote community engagement in development.
“We must promote transformative theological education in order to ensure sustainable development,” he said.
Theological institutions, Bread for the World, All Africa Conference of Churches, Zimbabwe Council of Churches, World Council of Churches, churches and individuals pooled resources together to support the conference.
Dr Lilian Siwila, a member of the circle, called for a “two-winged” theology that would promote development in Africa. “Men and women must work together in order to get the best outcomes,” she said.
Information on Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy
