Women theologians urge churches to challenge abusive power structures

An international group of women theologians has called on churches to address structures of power that fail to respect human dignity.

The women made the call in a statement issued following the conclusion of the Feminist Discourse on Economy, Ecology and Empire held in Bangalore, India, last week by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and World Council of Churches (WCC).

"We call upon churches to live in the world in ways that engage the powers, systems and structures that deny human dignity and scorch the earth, denying justice to God's people and the created order," the statement read.

"The human community has the capacity to transform the structures and systems of economic and political institutions in ways that promote sustainable life for all God's creation.

"We call upon churches to promote and practise sustainable ways of living that reject greed and over-consumption."

The meeting marked the start of a long-term ecumenical dialogue on the global economy, ecological issues and 'empire', and efforts to establish a global ecumenical feminist movement for social and economic justice around the world.

"There is an urgent need to bring together differing analyses and perspectives on the systemic roots of the life-threatening socio-economic and ecological crises and to explore possibilities of articulating a clear faith stance and envisioning a future beyond empire," the theologians said.

"In particular, it is crucial to include feminist/womanist thinking in the current debates in order to fully identify the theological and ethical challenges posed by empire."

Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, executive secretary of WARC's Office for Church Renewal, Justice and Partnership, added: "Resistance to empire is growing and women are very much in the forefront.

"I believe this discourse can open new paths in building solidarity in our common struggle for justice and peace."

Bangalore was chosen as the host city for the meeting owing to its garment industry, which employs a high percentage of women in harsh conditions for meagre wages. The struggles of Indian women provided the backdrop for the weeklong discussions.

The women theologians agreed to continue working for the creation of more "life-oriented" institutions and structures that draw on the wisdom of women, and committed to encouraging churches to be agents of transformation in the world.

"We envision the transformation of economic and political structures in ways that enable the 'fullness of life for all'," they said.

They went on to recommend the formation of women's forums on economic, ecological and empire issues.