THE EXPERIENCES OF THIRTEEN WOMEN MINISTERS OF THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Donald Williams; Christina Landman

doi:10.25159/2412-4265/1099

Authors

Donald Williams Master's Student, Research Institute for Theology and Religion, University of South Africa
Christina Landman Research Institute for Theology and Religion, University of South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/1099

Keywords:

Covenantal relationship, ministry, Methodist Church of Southern Africa, ordination, ordained women in ministry

Abstract

The year 2016 marks the 40^th anniversary of the ordination of women into the ministry of Word and Sacraments in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. What are their experiences during their ministry whilst being in a covenantal relationship with the church and their ordained colleagues? What are the particular concerns and issues raised by a sample of 13 women ministers who have served for a total of 90 years since their ordination in the church? The paper describes the unique relationship between the church and ministers and then presents the findings of the experiences of the sample, indicating that the women ministers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa are being discriminated against in various ways and struggling to find acceptance and appointments in financially viable circuits.

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