The importance of embodiment from a womanist perspective: an interview with Tessa Henry-Robinson

Abstract

ABSTRACT The original keynote at the conference was in the form of a panel discussion entitled Embodiment in Black and Womanist Theologies, chaired by Delroy Hall with the contributions of Anthony Reddie and Jarel Robinson-Brown. Tessa Henry-Robinson was also due to be on the panel but was unable to be present. The session developed into an inspiring and challenging theological reflection on the experience of the contributors, all black men living in the UK. However, the female and womanist voice was missing. In this article, Tessa Henry-Robinson makes an important contribution to discussions about embodiment and particularity from a black woman’s perspective, as someone who has known marginalisation and oppression, and is now moving into a position of more influence and authority in her role as Moderator of the General Assembly United Reformed Church from July 2023 onwards, the first ethnically minoritised woman to hold this role. In this article, in response to questions set by Manon Ceridwen James, she explores her experience, her research into embodiment from a womanist perspective, and her hopes for her new role.