Gender, Sexuality and a Theology of Fruitfulness: Mercy Oduyoye (original) (raw)

Reimagining Christianity and Sexual Diversity in Africa, 2021

Abstract

This chapter focuses on Ghanaian feminist theologian, Mercy Oduyoye, and her contribution to debates about sexual diversity and Christianity in Africa. Profiling Oduyoye as a leading figure in African women’s theology, the chapter discusses her analysis of gender and patriarchy in African religions and cultures, especially in the Christian church. It further reconstructs how Oduyoye came to draw critical connections between patriarchy and misogyny in Africa, on the one hand, and homophobia and heterosexism, on the other hand. Oduyoye’s proposal for an alternative understanding of fruitfulness is important for women as well as sexual minorities confronted by the religio-cultural norm of procreation. The chapter argues that Oduyoye’s African feminist cultural hermeneutics and narrative theology present a model for queer theology in Africa.

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