User:Mimiwamb/sandbox

African Women scholars

Philomena Njeri Mwaura
Philomena Njeri Mwaura is a Kenyan theologian who is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Kenyatta University.

Education
Philomena obtained a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Arts, Second Class Honors, Upper Division, from the University of Nairobi 1979, Masters of Arts (MA) in Religious Studies, University of Nairobi, 1986 and PhD Kenyatta University, 2002. Her areas of specialization are : African Christianity- History and Theology; New Religious Movement. Philomena's areas of interest are: Christian Religious Education, Church History, Mission Studies, Gender and Theology, Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in Africa, African Instituted Churches, African Women’s Theology, and Religion and health.

Professional Affiliations
Philomena is affiliated to several professional bodies. Some of these professional bodies are: International Association for Mission Studies, Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians, Ecumenical Symposium of Eastern Africa Theologians, and African Association for the Study of Religion.

Publications
Mwaura, P. Churu, B. ((2015The Catholic Church and Schools In Kenya: A Historical Perspective on Education for Holistic Development, Part II. ) International Journal of African Catholicism, Fall 2015, and Vol. 8. (3) (With Beatrice W. Churu.)

Mwaura, P. (2014.) The Circle of Concerned African Women “Theologians and their Engagement in Public Theology in Journal of the Center for Women Studies University of Nairobi, Vol.1

Mwaura, P. 2012; “Concept of Basic Human Rights in African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa and Jesus is Alive Ministries”, in Journal of World Christianity vol. 5 no. 1 2 pp 9-42

Awards
Philomena has won several award. Senior Research Fellow, Nagel Institute, Calvin College USA, May August 2018 2012; Recognized as 8th Position among Directors in Kenyatta University who had achieved their Performance Contract Targets. Awarded Senior Research Fellow at Yale Divinity School and Overseas Ministries Study Centre, New Haven, Connecticut, USA : 2010. Recognized the 4th among 50 top researchers in Kenyatta University,2007. Awarded William Paton Research Fellowship at University of Birmingham, UK, 2007. Awarded a scholarship to study at the Center for the Study of New Religious Movements at Selly Oak Colleges, University of Birmingham, UK, in 1996.

-2017-2018; Received grant together with others to conduct a research on “100 years of Gender Equality Journey, 1910-2010”, from Center for Women Studies, University of Nairobi. 

January 2014; together with others won a grant from Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) to coordinate research on, “Developing/Adapting a School Based Dating Violence Prevention and Intervention in Nairobi Kenya”.

CODESSREA 2013 Competitive Research Network Competition (with others), Topic, “Religion, Spirituality and Power in Kenya and Uganda” 

German Bishops Conference grant for study of the “Status and Roles of Women in the Catholic Church in Kenya’ Currents in World Christianity 2001 grant competition, research topic. Gendered Appropriation of Mass Media in Kenyan Christianity: A Comparison of Two Women Led Churches in Nairobi

Consultancies  Consultant for the Project” Engaging Africa”, Organized by Nagel Institute Calvin College USA and Funded by John Templeton Foundation 2013-2017

 Consultant and member Advisory Board for the Study of African Catholicism, 2014- 2017, De Paul University, Chicago USA

Consultant and Board Member of the Dictionary for African Christian Biography, coordinated from the Center for World Christianity, University of Boston, USA.

 Consultant for the proposed Riara University, in Curriculum Development, July-December 2010

 Consultnat for the Mid Term Evaluation of the Child Rights in School Improvement Program (CRiSIP) in Western Kenya. Evaluation funded by ETC Crystal Consultancy Firm, Netherlands

 Consultant for the Civic Driven Change Project, funded by Dutch NGOs; Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands January –August 2008

 Consultant in developing a Training Manual on Abstinence and Behavior Change for Youth, for primary and secondary schools, for the Kenya Episcopal Conference August – September 2005.

 Consultant and co-author of a Gender training manual for CARITAS, Kenya Episcopal Conference 2001 – 2002.

 Consultant on Engendering the Curriculum in Primary and Secondary Education, a UNICEF/WORLD BANK and Ministry of Education / Government of Kenya, Project, January – March 1998.

 Consultant in Research for the Developing a gender mainstreaming tool for learning materials and teaching in Prinary and Secondary Schools in Kenya, for Forum of African Women Educationalists July to October 1990

Publications
Refereed Journals 2015; The Catholic Church and Schools In Kenya: A Historical Perspective on Education for Holistic Development, Part II, International Journal of African Catholicism, Fall 2015, and Vol. 8. (3) (With Beatrice W. Churu)

2014; “The Circle of Concerned African Women “Theologians and their Engagement in Public Theology in Journal of the Center for Women Studies University of Nairobi, Vol.1

2012; “Concept of Basic Human Rights in African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa and Jesus is Alive Ministries”, in Journal of World Christianityvol. 5 no. 1 2 pp 9-42.

2012; “African Christianity and Culture: The Role of Women in the Church”. International Journal of African Catholicism, Winter-www.saintleo/IJAC. 2012“The Catholic Church and Schools in Kenya: A Historical Perspective on Education for Holistic Development. Part I: From the Colonial period to Foundations of an Education Dispensation for Independent Kenya”, International Journal of Page 4 of 17 African Catholicism, summer

2012 Vol. 3. (2). (With Beatrice Churu). 2010; Philomena N. Mwaura and Constansia Mumma-Martinon “Political Violence in Kenya and Local Churches Responses: The Case of the 2007 Post-ElectionCrisis”, in The Review of Faith and International affairs vol. 8 no. 1 pp 39-46. 2010; “God in the City”: Pentecostalism as an Urban Phenomenon in Kenya”, in Studia Historiae Ecclesiaticae Journal of the Church History Society of Southern Africa, 36. (2) 95-111 (With Damaris Parsiatau).

2010; “Regional Theological Associations and Theological Curriculum Development in East Africa: Challenges and Prospects”, Missionalia Vol. 38 (2) pp 248-258.

2009; “Human Identity and the Gospel of Reconciliation, Agenda for Mission Studies and Praxis in the 21st Century: An African Perspective,” Mission Studies Vol. 26, (1) pp. 17-30.

2009; “Stigmatization and Discrimination of HIV/AIDS Women in Kenya: A Violation of Human Rights and its Theological Implications,” in Exchange: Journal of Missiological and Ecumenical Research, Vol. 37 No.1, pp35-51. 2008, Philomena N. Mwaura and Nahashon W. Ndung’u

(2008) “Persistence of Traditional Healing Features in the Africa Instituted Churches”, Trinity Journal of Church and Theology Volume XVI No. 2 July, pp 39-60.

2007; “Integrity of Mission in the Light of the Gospel: Bearing Witness of the Spirit among Africa’s Gospel Bearers” in Mission Studies Vol.24, No.2, pp 189-212.

2006; “The Anthropological Dimension of a Patient’s Treatment: a Response to Prof. Bernard Ugeux.” International Review of Mission Vol. 95 Nos. 376/377 2006 pp36- 14. 2005; “A Spirituality Resistance and Hope: African Instituted Churches’ Response to Poverty” Orita Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies Vol. XXXVII June and December, 2005 pp 65-83. 2005; “Towards a Theology of Hope from a Holistic Perspective through Interfaith Dialogue: A Challenge for the Church in Africa.” Voices from the Third world Vol. XXVIII (2) December 2005 pp 153-168. 2005; “Proliferation of New Religious Movements in Africa: A Challenge to Ecumenism,” Revitalizing Theological Thinking in Africa: The Ecumenical Movement at a Crossroad. Africa Challenge All Africa Journal of Theology March Vol. (1) pp 2004; “Unsung Bearers of the Good News’, Journal of African Christian Thought” Vol. 7 (1) June 2004 pp 38-44. 2004; “Branded vit let vuur gerukt” Her ver haal van Margaret Wanjiru.” Wereld En Zending 33, (4) December, pp 35-49. 2004; “Abortion: A Religious Perspective.” Orisun Journal of Religion and human Values, Vol.2 &3, 2003/2004. Pp 156-182. 2003; “New Religious Movements: A Challenge to doing Theology in Africa,” Trinity Journal of Theology and Church, Vol.18 no. (3), July, pp.1-18. 2003; “A History of the Akurinu Churches with Particular Reference to the Holy Ghost Church of East Africa,” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, vol. 29 (2) December. Pp 156-18. 2002; “Women in African Instituted Churches,” African Christian Studies, Vol 18 No 3, September pp 57 – 72. Page 5 of 17 2001; “Theology in the African Instituted Churches,” Hekima Review, Journal of Hekima College, the Jesuit School of Theology, May No: 25, pp 84 – 98. 2001; “Response to Prof. Pobee’s paper; Religion Faith and Healing’, in International Review of Mission Vol. Xc Nos., 356 / 357, pp 65 – 69.000; 2001, “Reflecting Jesus Christ Crucified among Africans Cross-Bearers: An African Woman’s Perspective.” Mission Studies, Vol. XVII Nos 1/2, 33/34, pp 97 – 102. 2001; “Religion, Health and Healing: The Role of Women Healers in African Instituted Churches with Particular Reference to Jerusalem Church of Christ,” Journal of Constructive Theology. Vol. 7 No. 2 December pp, 73 – 83. 1999; “The Use of Power in African Instituted Churches,” Wajibu Journal of Social and Religious Concerns. Vol. 14, No. 3 pp 4 – 9. 1998; “Empowerment of Women: The Role of the Church,” Journal of African Christian Thought Vol. No. 1 June, pp 28 – 35. (b) Books 2018 (ongoing) Religion, Spirituality and Power in Kenya and Uganda. 2016; Patterns of Urban Christianity in East Africa, Nairobi: Acton Publishers (Ed with Steven O’Malley). 2008; HIV/AIDS, Women and Religion in Africa: Ethical and Theological Responses, Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications. ISBN 978 1875053 698, (Eds with Teresia Hinga, Anne N. Kubai and Hazel Ayanga) 2005; Challenges and Prospects for the Church in Africa in the 21st Century. Nairobi; Pauline’s Publishing house. (Ed with Nahashon W. Ndung’u). 2005; Theology in the Context of Globalization: African Women’s Response. Nairobi, EATWOT, ISBN 9789966981653 ( Ed with Lilian D. Chirairo) (c) Articles in Books. 2018; “Catholicism with a Difference: popular Catholicism in Kenya”; 2018; “Spiritual Warfare and Healing in Kenyan Pentecostalism”, in Stan Ilo (ed) Fire From Heaven: Pentecostalism, Catholicism and the Spirit World. Wipf and Stock. 2015; “The Gospel of the Family: From Africa to the World”, in A.E. Orobator (eds.) The Church we Want: African Catholics Look to Vatican III. New York: Maryk2015, 2014; “How Africa are Instituted Churches: Ecclesiology of Africa Instituted Churches” in Agbokhianmeghe, E. A. Orobator (ed.) The Church We Want: Foundations of Theology and Mission of the Church in Africa: Conversions on Ecclesiology. Nairobi: Pauline’s, 296-309 2014; “Spiritually and Healing in African Indigenous Churches and Contemporary Society” in, Bediako M.G., Quarshie, B.Y And Asamoah-Gyau, J.K.,Seeing New Facets of the Diamond: Christianity as a Universal Faith Essays in Honour of Kwame Bediako. Oxford: Regnum Publishers, 325-335. 2014; “African Instituted Churches as Expressions of African Christianity”, in J.N.K Mugambi, Evaristi Magoti, C. (eds.), Endless Quest: The Vocation of an African Page 6 of 17 Christian Theologian, Essays in Honour of Laurenti Magesa, Nairobi: Acton Publishers. 247-272. 2014; “Christianity and other Religious with Particular Reference to African Religion and African Women’s Chrisologies” in, Markus Luber, Roman Beck and Simon Neubert, Christus und Die Religionen, Regensburg: Verlag Pustet, 219-236. 2013; “The Socio-cultural Context in which Justice is sought in Africa”, in Orobator E.A., Practicing Reconciliation, Doing Justice, and Building Peace: Conversations on Catholic Theological Ethics in Africa. Nairobi: Pauline’s. Pp75-81. 2012; “Woman Lost in the Global Maze; Women in East Africa under Globalization” in McLintock, F. M., and Briggs, S. The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Theology. Oxford University Press pp 250-279, ISBN 79-0-19-9273388 2011; “Practices for Sustaining Revitalization in Local Communities: Perspectives from Africa”, in O’Malley J. Steve (ed.) Interpretive Trends in Christian Revitalization for Early Twenty First Century, Lexington Kentucky: Emeth Press, pp 177-183, 978-1-60947-018-0. 2010; “African Instituted Churches and Women in Urban Kenya”, Chinwe M.A. Nwoye (eds.), Urban Ministry in Africa: Theological Reflections for the 21st Century, Nairobi: Pauline’s, pp. 86-100, ISBN, 9966-08-549-1. 2010; “Christian Identity and Ethnicity in Africa: Reflections on the Gospel of Reconciliation”, Diane Stinton (ed.) African Theology on the Way: Current Conversations. London: SPCK pp. 128-138. ISBN 978-0-281-06251-5 2010; “Mission as Service of Justice, Peace in the Church in Africa”. Joshva Raja, Val Ogden, George Wauchope and Sumitra Fernando (eds.) Towards A Reconstruction of Mission Stories: Building Communities of Peace and Hope, New Delhi: ISPCK. pp 3-22. ISBN 978-81-8465-058-7. 2008; “The African Social and Religious Reality”, Getui, M.N.; Susin, L.C. and Churu, B.W. (eds.) Spirituality for Another Possible World. Nairobi: Twaweza Publications, pp 74-86. ISBN, 9966-7244-4-3. 2008; “The Role of Charismatic Christianity in Reshaping the Religious Scene in Africa: The Case of Kenya”, Afe Adogame, Roswith Gerloff and Klaus Hock (eds.) Christianity in Africa and the African Diaspora: The Appropriation of a Scattered Heritage. London: Continuum. Pp, ISBN, 981-1847-063-175. 2008; “Civic Driven Change: Spirituality, Religion and Faith”, Alan Fowler and Kees Biekart (eds.) Civic Driven Change: Citizen’s Imagination in Action, The Hague: Institute of Social Studies, pp. 51-65. ISBN 978-90-812200-3-3. 2008; “Gendered Appropriation of Mass Media in Kenyan Christianities: A Comparison of Two Women Led Churches in Nairobi”, in Ogbu U. Kalu and Alaine Low (eds.) Interpreting Global Christianity: Global Processes and Local Identities, Grand Rapids Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, pp. 274-295. ISBN, 978-0-8028-6242-6. 2008; “Violation of Human Rights of Kenyan Women with HIV/AIDS through Stigma and Discrimination”, in T.M. Hinga, A.N. Kubai, P.N. Mwaura and H. Ayanga (eds.) Women, Religion and HIV/AIDS in Africa: Responding to Ethical and Theological Challenges. Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications, pp. 126-143. ISBN 2008; “Nigerian Pentecostal Missionary Enterprise in Kenya: Taking the Cross Over”, in Stephen Spencer (ed.), Mission and Migration, Derby: Cliff College Page 7 of 17 Publishing. Pp53-77, ISBN, 978-1-898362-39-5. 2007; “Gender and Power in African Christianity: African Instituted Churches and Pentecostal Churches” in Ogbu U. Kalu (ed.) African Christianity: An African Story, Trenton New Jersey: Africa World Press, pp. 359-407. ISBN, 1-59221-581-5. 2007, “Religion and Leadership: A Challenge to Creation of a Just Society”, in Kimani Njogu (ed.) Governance: Towards Quality Leadership in Kenya. Nairobi: Twaweza Publications. 2006; “Ritual Healing and Redefinition of Individual Personality in African Instituted Churches in Kenya”. Adam K. arap Chepkwony (ed.) Religion and Healing in Africa: Reflection for Theology in the 21st Century. Nairobi, Pauline’s pp.64-81. 2005; “Women and Evangelization: A Challenge to the Church in the Third Millenium”, Ndung’u N.W. and Mwaura P.N. (eds.) Challenges and Prospects for the Church in Africa in the 21st Century. Nairobi: Pauline’s. pp, ISBN 9966-08-104-6. 2005; “Nigerian Pentecostal Missionary Enterprise in Kenya”, Korieh, C.J. And Ugo Nwokeji, (eds.) Religion, History and Politics in Nigeria: Essays in Honour of Ogbu U. Kalu. University press of America. pp. 270-289. ISBN, 0-7618-3140-1. 2005; “The Lives of Kenyan Women under Globalization”, in Mwaura P.N. and Chirairo L.D. (eds.) Theology in the Context of Globalization: African Women’s Response, Nairobi: Ecumenical Association of third World Theologians, (EATWOT) Women’s Commission. Pp. ISBN, 9966-9816-5-9. 2004; “African Instituted Churches and their Contribution to African Christianity”, Bediako K., Jansen M., Butselaar J.V. and Verburg A. (eds.) A New Day Dawning, African Christians Living the Gospel. Essays in Honour of Hans Visser. Uitgeverji Boekencentrum, Zoelermeer, pp.96-115. ISBN, 90 239 1790 1. 2004; “African Instituted Churches: A Perspective from Kenya”, Mugambi J.N.K. and Getui M.N. (eds.) Religions in East Africa under Globalization, Nairobi: Acton Publishers. pp 101-120.ISBN 2003; “Building a Culture of Peace through Reconciliation from an African Instituted Churches Perspective”, Getui, M. and Musyoni, W. (eds.) Overcoming Violence: A Faith Based Approach, Nairobi: National Council of Churches of Kenya. pp 87-108. ISBN 9966-9817-1-6. 2003; “Gender and the Reconstruction Process”, Anono, Temple, A.C. (ed.) A Kairos Moment; We will Rise and Rebuild! Nairobi: AACC. pp 32-44. 2003; “Impact of Emerging Expressions of Christianity in Africa on Women.” Anono, Temple A.C. (ed.) Emerging Christian Expressions and Challenges of Christian Fundamentalism. Nairobi: AACC Publications. pp 68-80. 2003; “Feminist Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics of Liberation: An African Women’s Perspective”, Sylvia Schroer and Sophia Bieternhard (eds.) Feminist Biblical; Interpretation and Hermeneutics of Liberation. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press. pp 77-85. 2002; “Cries of the Poor: Response of the Church in Africa,” in Peter Kanyandago (ed.) Cries of the Poor in Africa: Questions and Responses for African Christianity (Kampala: Marianum Press) pp 193 – 211. A Burning Stick Plucked Out of the Fire; 2002; The Story of Rev. Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus Is Alive Ministries,” Isabel A. Phiri et al (eds.) Her – Stories: Hidden Histories of Women of Faith in Africa, (Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications) pp, 202 – 224. Page 8 of 17 2001; “The Impact of Globalization on Women in Kenya,” Getui M. N. and Theuri M. (eds.) Quest for Abundant Life in Africa, Nairobi: Acton Publishers. 2001; “Perceptions of Healing and Health in African Instituted Churches” Heilong in Mission Und Ukumene. (Homburg: EMW, Weltmission Heute), pp 142 – 152. 2001;HIV/AIDS: A Facilitators Manual (Nairobi, Pauline’s). (Written together with others for the Education Department, Kenya Episcopal Conference). 2001; “The Old Testament in the Nabii Christian Church of Kenya,” Getui M. et al (eds.) Interpreting the Old Testament in Africa, (Nairobi: Acton Publishers), pp 165 – 2000; “Women in Kenya between Tradition and Modernity,” Fritz Frei (ed.) Inkulturation Swizchen Tradition and Modernitat (Universitatverlag Freiburg), pp 73- 1999; “The Role of Women in the Democratization Process,” Magesa L. and Nthamburi Z. eds., Democracy and Reconciliation: Challenging Essays in African Christianity. (Nairobi: Acton Publishers), pp 50 – 72. 1997; “The Role of Women in the Democratization Process,” Kabira W. and Masheti M. eds., Towards Gender Responsive Politics. (Nairobi: Frederick Ebert Foundation and Collaborative Center for Gender and Development), pp 74 – 92. 1996; “Die Situation der Afrikanischen Frau am Beispiel Kenia,” das Weibliche, Edith Stein Jahrbuch (Echter: Wurburg), pp. 235 – 248. 1996; “Women’s Healing Roles in Traditional Gikuyu Society,” M.R.A Kanyoro and Njoroge J.N. eds.: Groaning in Faith: African Women in the Household of God. (Nairobi: Acton Publishers), pp 253 – 269. 1996; “Perceptions of Healing and Health in African Instituted Churches,” Social Behavior and Health. Monograph No. 3 June 1996. (Nairobi: University of Nairobi, Inter-faculty Collaboration Programme), pp 30 – 35. 1995; “Healing, a Pastoral Concern in African Christianity,” Waruta D. and Kinoti H. (eds.). Pastoral Care in African Christianity. (Nairobi: Acton Publishers) pp 62 – 86).

https://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/humanities/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/87-faculty/289-prof-philomena-mwaura Health

https://humanities.ku.ac.ke/images/Prof_Philomena%20Njeri%20Mwaura_31st_May_2018.pdf

User:Mimiwamb/sandbox/2 Eunice Kamaara

User:Mimiwamb/sandbox3 Philomena Njeri Mwaura

User:Riyeka/sandbox3

Education
1983: Magdalen College, Bedford, New Hampshire. Pontificate Certificate of Catechetical Qualification.

1982     Gannon University, Pontifical Centre, Erie, Pennsylvania a Advanced Catechetical Diploma.

1981     Magdalen College, Bedford, N.H. Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. Major in Philosophy and Theology. Magna cum laude. QPA: 3.7.

1976     Loreto Convent Msongari, Nairobi, Kenya. East African Advance Certificate of Education (EAACE).

1973     Mount St. Mary’s Secondary School, Namagunga, Lugazi, Uganda. East African Certificate of Education (EACE).

Reverend Sister Professor Nasimiyu, who earned her doctorate in 1985, was the first African woman to receive a doctoral degree in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. She later became a theology professor and dean of students at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, and served as superior general of the Little Sisters of St. Francis in her region of Uganda.

Served in several committees while at Kenyatta University and at the little sisters of St Francis

Deans Committee, Student Disciplinary Committee, Student Welfare Committee, and University Promotion and Appraisal Committee for Academic Staff. I chaired the Wardens Committee, Work Study Programme Committee, University Promotion and Appraisal Committee for Non Academic Staff, and Sisters of Eastern African Study Conference. Reverend Sister Professor Nasimiyu, who earned her doctorate in 1985, was the first African woman to receive a doctoral degree in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. She later became a theology professor and dean of students at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, and served as superior general of the Little Sisters of St. Francis in her region of Uganda.

From the catholic theology website

Sister Anne Nasimiyu-Wasike, Little Sisters of St. Francis, died suddenly this week. Her friends are understandably quite shocked and saddened by this news. I count myself among them, having been privileged to meet Sister Anne in Nairobi ten years ago when she was my teacher and mentor at the Maryknoll Institute for African Studies.

Sister Anne served as General Superior of the Religious Institute of Little Sisters of St. Francis from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2010 to 2016 and was Professor of Systematic Theology and Moral Theology in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, where she also served in many administrative roles, including as acting dean of students for a time. The Daily Nation tribute to her life recounts how she was a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized, a prolific writer, mentor to thousands of Kenyatta students, savvy administrator, and that she was honored to address the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 on the plight of the woman and girl-child in Africa. She had a warm heart, a passion for justice, enduring hope in God’s promises, and the gift of contagious laughter.

Sister Anne was unafraid to address difficult problems and to speak truth to power. Trained in Catholic systematic and moral theology, her focus was always the “good news” of the gospel in the lived realities of people’s lives. If she witnessed institutional failures to live up to gospel values, she spoke up. She wrote about “the missing voices of women” in her contribution to a volume of essays after the Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church conference in Trento. Sister Anne contributed an essay, “Polygamy: A Feminist Critique” to a collection The Will to Arise: Women, Tradition, and the Church in Africa; she wrote about “African women’s legitimate role in church ministry” for The Church in African Christianity: Innovative Essays in Ecclesiology. As an advocate for women in the African church, she exposed patriarchy within the institutional church’s practices and advocated for justice in the church and in the world.

One of my favorite publications of hers is her 2001 essay, “Is Mutuality Possible?: An African Response,” published in Missiology, An International Review. There, Sister Anne Nasimiyu-Wasike describes mutuality as “interplay, a two-way traffic or reciprocation,” which can happen “only in a healthy, open relationship.” She then goes on to explain why mutuality is a difficult paradigm for considering relations between the West and Africa because of the legacies of the slave trade, colonialism, neo-colonialism, and now structural adjustment and naked capitalism. In all of these oppressive forces, Christians have been complicit. “There was no mutuality of any kind,” Sister Anne writes, as she describes the devastating results of the trade in human bodies, exploitation of African mineral resources by multi-national corporations, political corruption and the ‘installation’ of Western-friendly African leaders, the HIV and AIDS crisis, and refugee crisis. Theology cannot remain on the sidelines, condoning oppression or staying silent while injustice festers. Therefore, it is the task of the Western theologians to educate their people that Christianity has been too Euro-American centered to open up to other cultures in the world. The monopoly of Euro-American cultures in Christianity has hampered the adornment of the church with the colors and cultures of other peoples in the world. It has to be recognized that all cultures are relative and equally important. It is only in this realization that the church will move from a Euro-American centered church to a world-centered church (46).

In order to have mutuality, the psychological oppression that Africa has experienced and continues to experience has first to be removed, by realizing that every human grasp of the truth is finite and conditioned, while the divine reality and truth are always more than what can be humanly grasped and expressed. For genuine mutuality to take place, the Euro-American feeling of superiority with regard to culture, religious beliefs, and practices has to be overcome. The Euro-American experience is not the normative, but rather one of many ways by which God is encountered and manifested (47).

We need a theology that maintains and promotes justice rather than charity, equality rather than paternalism, solidarity rather than isolation, communion and restitution rather than giving of loans. We need a theology that affirms differences in various world cultures and learns from them new ways of approaching God and the sacred (52). Sister Anne’s prophetic words are as relevant today as they were in 2001. How many Catholics in the US context are formed by a Euro-American worldview all too willing to enslave foreigners in far away places by policies that serve “America First”? Mutuality remains elusive.

But Sister Anne would not have let her students end on a note of hopelessness. Good theology penetrates the dark realities of people’s lived experiences, she would say. She spoke of a God who makes a way out of no way, a God who keeps promises, a God who is revealed in the wisdom of a community’s traditions and the miracle of a mother who is able to feed her family in the midst of famine. Sister Anne often wrote about the wisdom of African traditional religion, much of which has been misrepresented when Western Christians ridiculed traditional rituals as “paganism or heathenism.” Drawing on Mbiti’s presentation of African ontology, she adopted a communitarian view of the human person: “I am, because we are; and since we are therefore I am.” In her all-encompassing view of the sacred, Sister Anne held up an understanding of human interdependence and a view of justice that encompasses relationships beyond the nuclear family to include the clan, ethnic group, the unborn, the living dead (ancestors), and to the whole created reality-in-God.

We can now count Sister Anne among “the living dead,” among our ancestors in the struggle for right relationship with God and each other.

Thank you, Sister Anne, for your tireless commitment to the poor, to the hungry, to orphans, to refugees, to your students, to the women you served in your religious order, to all with whom you came in contact.

Rest in God’s peace, Sister Anne.

citation

Ann Wasike cv

PUBLICATIONS

“Vatican II and Liturgical Adaptations.” African Theological Journal 13.1 (1984).

“The Other Africa: Sexism in African Society.” Raggio 54.6 (1987).

“Polygamy: A Feminist Critique.” Apostolate to Nomads of AMECEA (ANA) 130-131 (1988).

“Christology and an African Woman’s Experience.” Jesus in African Christianity: Experimentation and Diversity in African Christology. Eds. J.N.K. Mugambi and Laurenti Magesa. Nairobi: Initiatives, 1989. 123-135. Rpt. in Faces of Jesus in Africa. Ed. Robert J. Schreiter. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991. 70-81, and in Liberation Theology: An Introductory Reader. Eds. Curt Cadorette et al. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1992. 92-103.

“Images of Women in African Religious Tradition.” Communicatio Socialis: Journal of Christian Communication in the Third World 8 (1989).

“La polygamie aux prise avec la critique féministe.” Telema: Revue de réflexion et créativité chrétiennes en Afrique 59-60 (1989). Rpt. as “Polygamy: A Feminist Critique.” The Will to Arise: Women, Tradition, and the Church in Africa. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1992. 101-118.

“Response.” Towards African Christian Liberation. Nairobi: Paulines, 1990.

''Talitha, Qumi! Proceedings of the Convocation of African Women Theologians''. Trinity College, Legon-Accra. Sept. 24-Oct. 1989. Nigeria: Day Star, 1990.

“Religious Ferment in East Africa.''” Voices from the Third World: A Cry for Life. Spirituality of the Third World'' 14.2 (1991) 76-94.

“Christianity and African Rituals of Birth and Naming. The Will to Arise: Women, Tradition, and the Church in Africa. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1992. 40-53.

“Child Neglect and Abuse: An African Moral Question.” Moral and Ethical Issues in African Christianity. Eds. J.N.K. Mugambi and A. Nasimiyu-Wasike. Nairobi: Action, 1992. 153-169.

“Prophetic Mission of the Church: The Voices of African Women.” Mission in African Christianity: Critical Essays in Missiology. Eds. A. Nasimiyu- Wasike and D.W. Waruta. Nairobi: Uzima, 1993.

“The Role of Women in Small Christian Communities,” How Local is the Local Church: Small Christian Communities and Church in Eastern Africa. Eldoret: AMECEA Gaba, 1993.

“Domestic Violence Against Women: A Cry for Life in Wholeness.” Pastoral Care in African Christianity: Challenging Essays in Pastoral Theology. Eds. D.W. Waruta and H.W. Kinoti. Nairobi: Action, 1993.

“Liberation of Co-opted and Oppressive Culture and Religion.” Culture, Religion and Liberation. Ed. , Simon Maimela. Pretoria: Penrose, 1994.

“Religieuses Africaines.” Spiritus: Expérience et recherche missionnaire 137 (1994).

“Acceptance of the Total Human Situation as a Precondition for Authentic Inculturation.” Inculturation: Abide by the Otherness of Africa and Africans. Eds. P. Turkson and F.J.S. Wijsen. Netherlands: Kok, 1994.

“Dialogue between the North and the South.” ''Africa: The Kairos of a Synod. Sedos Symposium on Africa''. April-May 1994. Eds. Walter Von Holzen and Seán Fagan. Rome: Sedos, 1995.

“Mary, the Pilgrim of Faith for African Women.” The Bible in African Christianity: Essays in Biblical Theology. Eds. Hanna Kinoti and John M. Waliggo. Nairobi: Action, 1997. 165-178.

“Witnesses to Jesus Christ in African Context at the Dawn of A New Millennium.” Propositum: A Periodical of the Third Order Regular Franciscan History and Spirituality. 1997.

“Poverty, Peace, Justice, the Vow of Poverty: Religious Women as Witnesses of Justice and Peace.” Inculturation and Millennium-Trends: Consecrated Life of Women Religious in Eastern Africa. Sisters of East Africa Study Conference (SEASC) Report. Nairobi: Paulines, 1997.

“Franciscan Compassionate Caring in Kenya. Propositum: A Periodical of the Third Order Regular Franciscan History and Spirituality. 5.1. (2000).

“Genesis 1-2 and Some Elements of Diversion from the Original Meaning of the Creation of Man and Woman.” Interpreting the Old Testament in Africa: Papers from the International Symposium on Africa and the Old Testament. Nairobi, Oct. 1999. Eds. Mary Getui et al. New York: Peter Lang, 2001. Also published in Nairobi by Action Publishers.

“Is Mutuality Possible? An African Response.” Missiology: An International Review 29.1 (2001).

“Scenarios of Pluralism – A Sociological Analysis.” Bulletin Dei Verbum 62/63 1-2 (2002).

“Imaging Jesus Christ in the African Context at the Dawn of a New Millennium.” Challenges and Prospects of the Church in Africa. Eds. Nahashon W. Ndung’u and Philomena N Mwaura. Nairobi: Paulines, 2005.

“History of Feminism among Babukusu of Western Kenya.” Concilium (2006).

“The Influence of African Beliefs and Proverbs on the Control and Spread of HIV and AIDS in Western Kenya.” Urban Ministry in Africa: Theological Reflections for the 21st Century. Nairobi: Paulines, 2006. Paper accepted for publication in the Journal of the Ecumenical Symposium of Eastern African Theologians (ESEAT).

“Christian Response to Girl Children’s Plight at This Time of HIV/AIDS.” ''The Girl Child, Women, Religion and HIV and AIDS in Africa. Report of the 4th Pan African Conference of the Circle of Concerned African Woman Theologians.'' Yaounde, Cameroun, Sept. 2-8, 2007.

“Christian Response to Poverty Infrastructure and Advertising.” Economic Partnership Agreements for Eastern African Region. Nairobi, Beacon, 2007.

“Africans and the Catholic Church: The Process of Inculturation.” Africans and the Catholic Church. Ed. Olufemi Taiwo. Seattle: Seattle UP, 2008.

“Silent Voices in the Church.” Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church. Ed. James F. Keenan. 2012.

= SELECTED PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS = “Feminism and African Theology.” Presented at Making of African Theology: Theology in Africa Since 1956. Nairobi, April 1988.

“The Church:  An African Woman’s Legitimate Role in Ministry and Sacramental Life.” Presented at Conference on African Ecclesiology. March 1990.

“Liberation of Co-opted Culture and Religion.” Presented at. Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians Conference (EATWOT). Jan. 1991.

Series of lectures on “Women and Inculturation in Kenya.” Munich, Germany, March 1991.

“The Role of Women in Ministry.” Presented at a conference on Ministry to Catholic University Students. Nairobi, March 1992.

Reflections on African Family, Reproduction, and Work. Presented at a symposium on Feminism and Catholic Social Thought. Saint Paul, Minn., Dec. 1992.

“Religion and Politics, and How They Affect Women.” Presented at a the Global Summit for Women. Taipei, Feb. 1994.

“Africa and North Dialogue in Solidarity.” Presented at The Kairos of a Synod:Sedos Symposium on Africa. Rome, April-May 1994.

“Witnesses to Jesus Christ in Africa Context at the Dawn of A New Millennium.” Presented at International Franciscan Conference of the Bothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular. June 1997

“Inculturation of the Vow of Poverty.” Presented at SEASC Conference on Inculturation and Millennium Trends in Consecrated Life. Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 1997.

“The Effects of AIDS on Women and Children in Kenya.” Presented at Women’s Worlds 99: Seventh International Congress on Women. Tromso, Norway, June 1999.

“Is Mutuality Possible? An African Response.” Presented at Creative Partnerships for Mission in the 21st Century: Possibilities and Pitfalls. A meeting of the American Society of Missiology. June 2000.

“The Prophetic Role of the Church in Kenya.” Presented at Friends of God and Prophets: Toward An Inclusive Community. Call To Action National Conference. Milwaukee, Nov. 2000.

“The Effects of HIV/AIDS on Women and Children in Kenya.” Presented at United Nations 45th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). March 2001.

“Working with Religious Leaders.” Presented at Action To Reduce Maternal Mortality In Africa: Regional Consultation on Unsafe Abortion. Addis Ababa Ethiopia, March 2003.

“African Women and Children in Era of HIV/AIDS.” Presented to Yale University Catholic Women Scholars. New Haven, May 2004.

“The Influence of African Myths and Proverbs on the Spread and Control of HIV and AIDS.” Presented at the East African Symposium Conference. St. John the Baptist Pastoral Centre, April 2006.

“The value of Woman is the Value of the Church: From Rhetoric to Reality.” Presented at the Hekima Forum for Exploring Faith in Public Life. Hekima College, Nairobi, April 2007.

https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/centers/jesinst/pdf/SR%20ANNE%20NASIMIYU%20-%20CV%202016(3).docx

https://nation.africa/kenya/news/ch

https://applications.duq.edu/times/2018/02/28/duquesne-mourns-the-loss-of-former-theology-ph-d-student/