Gender issues are theological

16 May 2017
“As an African I would be happy to have a gender free generation,” Rev. Elitha Moyo from Zimbabwe stated. LWF/Brenda Platero
“As an African I would be happy to have a gender free generation,” Rev. Elitha Moyo from Zimbabwe stated. LWF/Brenda Platero
New African region representative shares her priorities for council

As one of 48 council members appointed by the Twelfth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Elitha Moyo, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) says she would welcome the opportunity be more involved in gender justice issues. Moyo represents one of ten council members elected from the African region.

She says, “as an African I would be happy to have a gender free generation. We need to address the youth while young to will help raise them out of injustice. This will be possible if the LWF Gender Justice Policy is used effectively with us in Africa.”

Moyo also participated in the LWF Women’s Pre-Assembly, which gathered 6-9 May, in Windhoek, Namibia. She appreciates that the issue of gender justice was raised at the Pre-Assembly.

“Gender justice is a theological issue, not only ideological. Dealing with injustice is an issue of the church,” she says. “If the church talks about gender justice then the communities where people live will be free from harmful practices.”

Gender justice needed in Africa

Moyo, who is also the gender and justice coordinator of her church, believes that gender-related issues should be addressed in Africa. Harmful cultural practices are affecting the younger generation and the future of the continent is at risk if this is not addressed, she says. “There are countries in Africa which are still denying the females the opportunity to take leadership positions.”

Moyo has been working with the ELCZ to ensure both women and men have equal opportunities to be involved in leadership positions.

LWF/Mphatso Thole

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