DR. GINA A. ZURLO

CO-DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY

The Center for the Study of Global Christianity has a close partnership with The Global Church Project, run by Dr. Graham Joseph Hill of Stirling Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Hill has made a tremendous impact on world Christianity studies, especially concerning the activities and contributions of women. His latest book (2020), Holding up Half the Sky: A Biblical Case for Women Leading and Teaching in the Church, is an accessible resource to encourage churches to take the gifts and talents of women more seriously, especially in leadership. (Other great books include Healing our Broken Humanity, with Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Signs of Hope in the City, on urban mission). In addition to other blogs that promote listening to and encouraging women in the church, one of my favorite features of The Global Church Project is the focus on women theologians around the world, which consists of the following posts:

23 Latin American Women and USA Latinas in Theology and Religion You Should Know About (by Juliany González Nieves)

18 Asian Female Theologians You Should Know About (Plus Others for You To Explore) (by Jessie Giyou Kim and Graham Joseph Hill)

18 Arab Female Theologians and Christian Leaders You Should Know About (by Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen and Graham Joseph Hill)

160+ Australian and New Zealander Women in Theology You Should Know About (by Graham Joseph Hill and Jen Barker) (and if that’s too much, here’s a list of 20!)

17 African American Women Theologians You Should Know About (By Emmanuella Carter)

9 African Women Theologians You Should Know About (by Stephanie A. Lowery)

This series is important for many reasons, including:

• A core part of studying World Christianity is hearing the voices of Christians from around the world. What better way than to learn about the experiences of women from women themselves?
• In general, women historically did not write books and some historians concluded that women did not think theologically. This is completely untrue, and there is a growing body of theological work by women for us to explore.
• Theology courses at Evangelical/conservative seminaries tragically neglect the voices of women and generally don’t assign books written by women. These lists can provide a helpful corrective.
• These lists remove the frequent excuse used by many male Christian leaders, “But I just don’t know any women to ask” when considering guest speakers, lecturers, and commentators. Now you do.
• Reading women’s theology from around the world helps us understand on a deeper level the experiences, struggles, and joys of Christian women. Knowing their stories and thoughts helps knit us together as a global Christian family.
• Women are speaking and teaching, and it is our job to sit and listen.

I would like to encourage readers to check out the works of these women and expand your horizons. Even if you come from a tradition that does not include women in all leadership roles in the church, or you are not convinced yourself, be open to having your faith expanded and challenged by the voices of women from around the world.