Mission Statement
:
 To undertake research and publish theological literature
written by African women with special focus on religion
and culture
The Circle is the space for women from Africa to do communal
theology. Musa Dube, one of the Circle theologians, asserts
that "... a circle of women describes those who are
seated together, who are connected and who seek to keep
the interconnectedness of life" (Dube 2001:11)
The Circle members are women who are rooted in Islam,
Christianity, Judaism and African Indigenous Religions.
They are indigenous African women and also African women
of Asiatic and European origins. These concerned women
are engaged in theological dialogue of the cultures, religions,
sacred writings and oral stories that shape the African
context and define the women of this continent. The Circle
members attempt to reflect together onjustice across boundaries
of gender, faith and belief.
What is The
Future of The Circle :
 The Circle keeps growing in number and in the depth
of our analysis. Today, we are not only larger and more
experienced but we are also more visible, recognized
and respected in international ecumenical circles and
among other theologians. We are seen as a voice for
women whose voices would not otherwise be heard. With
our growing influence comes increased responsibility.
People now look to the Circle for more in-depth and
practical involvement in the life of communities. The
Circle women are being challenged not only to respond
to the dearth of theological literature from African
women but also to play a significant role in helping
to create and sustain viable communities of women and
men in the church and in society in Africa. Can we shift
so soon in our short history?
We will have to increase our efforts to promote research.
We will have to continue to promote cooperation across
religious and gender borders. Affirming religious pluralism
allows the Circle women an opportunity to explore questions
of the well being of women writing in the context of
African cultures, which give context to various faiths.
Our hope is that in the process of dialogue we shall
come to know one another better and, thus, not only
affirm the need for justice and human dignity for all
women and all people but also, more importantly, to
be lead agents in creating such justice.
Through participating in face to face in research, educating
each other on forms of worship and the dogma of our
faiths, we have managed to be agents of justice to each
other. Here we compare notes and listen to each other's
stories of living hopefully in a violent world. We share
our pain and tears for the continued oppression that
we find inherent in our religions as well as our cultures.
We rejoice that our passion for justice is being awakened
despite the barriers that continue to keep us in "our
place". We are learning to value each other's writings
and to realize that we owe ourselves the power to change.
Our ecumenical encounter prompts us to take our African
identity very seriously, as it is the basis for our
unity. We seek to deepen our commitment to the future
of our people, especially the girls and women of Africa
living in the context of so much that is painful and
death-causing.
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