Practical theological study of the marginalisation of women in religious leadership in the Pentecostal tradition in South Africa

Abstract

This practical theological study sought to explore the reasons for the exclusion of women from the overall leadership positions of the church, the consequences of this situation, and how women feel about it. The value of the study is that it reflects on women’s experiences and gives a voice to marginality. It adopted a qualitative approach where the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten randomly selected participants from the Assemblies of God Back to God denomination. The findings indicated that women were excluded through the church practices, scripture, the African tradition and the African culture. Contradictory voices showed progressive support for women. Furthermore, the findings also highlighted the unfavourable practices encountered by women as well as a stagnant and unprogressive church.