The Role of Women, Theology, and Ecumenical Organizations in the Rise of Pentecostal Churches in Botswana

Abstract

In this chapter, Nkomazana discusses the role played by women in the rise of Pentecostal churches in Botswana. Given the patriarchal nature of leadership within both the African cultural and Christian contexts, he argues that this was a radical and historical development. This was complicated by the fact that male-dominated missionary organizations were supported by the protectorate administrators at the expense of independent and Pentecostal Churches, which further marginalized women. Using the concept of “territorial Christianity” as a theoretical framework, the chapter critically outlines the ethnic and territorial dynamics with which colonialists and mainline churches in Botswana attempted to suppress the Pentecostal churches and the emergence of women. Nkomazana critically addresses the role played by the declaration of Botswana’s independence and the introduction of a new constitution in 1966 in encouraging such groups as Pentecostal women to work without interference. Even where women were not founders of churches, they were some of their earliest and most devout followers.