Gift or poison?: women's experience of the church with reference to certain women in the Eastern Cape.

Abstract

This dissertation examines the experience that women have of the church. Work was done with groups of women in the Eastern Cape to hear their first hand experiences on this subject. A study was also made of the experiences of women as recorded in other parts of Africa and the world. South African women are situated within the broader context of society, thus also matters pertaining to this broader context were examined.The situation facing South African women in society and within the church is complex and difficult. In the final chapter, rather than looking at how women could change external structures, the focus is on women paying attention to themselves. The great importance of women honouring themselves, and giving themselves priority, and that of developing a spiritual practice that is nurturing and relevant to their lives, were suggested as a prerequisite for effective change on a wider level. An emphasis was thus put on the inner world of the woman, where, it is argued, many South African women need to experience a revolution. That women need support in this journey was stressed, with the participation in women's groups seen as being transforming for women.