Abstract
Denial of rights and discrimination against women socially and economically in any society make them to be susceptible to increased poverty, political limitation and social exclusion. The patriarchy structure of Sub-Saharan African society puts women in a vulnerable position exposing them to physical, financial and emotional risks due to neglect and abuse. Unfortunately, religious institution which should serve as agent of socialization is often used as social instrument through which patriarchy and male dominance are sustained. This study examines the status of women in Anglican Church as far as women’s ordination as clergies is concerned. Anglican Communion in Ogun Senatorial district (Abeokuta), Nigeria was used as case study. The method used were; historical, and qualitative research methods. The qualitative method involved seven (7) clergies from Anglican Churches in Ogun Central district who were purposefully selected for in-depth interview. The results show that Anglican Communion in Nigeria denied women to be ordained even as deacons. The result also shows that polygamy is prevalent among adherents of Anglican churches in Egbaland. And where polygamy exists, women subordination is more pronounced. The study therefore recommends that; Anglican Communion in Nigeria should follow the example of Paul in the Bible, who made Phebe a deacon of Chuch in Rome, among others. The Church should also preach strongly against polygamy in order to reduce women’s subjugation both in the Church and society at large.
Presenters
Caroline AdejuyigbeLecturer, Department of Primary Education, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun, Nigeria
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
ANGLICAN COMMUNION, ORDINATION, PATRIARCHY STRUCTURE, VULNERABILITY, WOMEN
