Women Clergy in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa Exploring the leadership Question in Light of Patriarchal Challenge

Abstract

This article sets out to explore the influence of patriarchy on women clergy in the top leadership of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. Admittedly, patriarchy is a complex issue that has garnered increased attention in recent years. Patriarchal norms and power structures often hinder women from ascending to leadership positions and fully exercising their ministerial roles thus creating a ceiling beyond which no one can break. This is due to deeply ingrained beliefs and practices that prioritize male leadership and limit women's opportunities for advancement. The Presbyterian Church of East Africa, hereafter PCEA, has been in existence for over 133 years. The top National leadership includes four main posts: The Moderator, the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General and the Honorary Treasurer. The year 2022 was very significant in the PCEA because the Church celebrated 40th Anniversary since the ordination of the first woman Clergy. For about forty years, however, none of the Women Clergy has ever been elected in any of the top most offices. Therefore, this article examines how patriarchy has limited women's participation in Church leadership. The key question is: How is patriarchy influencing the exclusion of women Clergy from the top leadership yet PCEA holds on the priesthood of all believers and claims to be an inclusive ecclesiastical entity?