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Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa JOURNAL OF GENDER AND RELIGION IN AFRICA Publication Information Volume 17 No. 2 2011 ISSN: 1025-5648 Published semi-annually, in July and December, by: Centre for Constructive Theology Physical Address: C/o School of Religion and Theology University of KwaZulu-Natal Room 111C, First Floor, New Arts Building, Golf Road Campus Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 33-260-6106 / +27 (0) 33-260-6132 Fax: +27 (0) 33-260-5858 E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] The Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa is a SAPSE Accredited Journal Editor Isabel Apawo Phiri, University of KwaZulu-Natal Co-editor Sarojini Nadar, University of KwaZulu-Natal Layout & Typesetting Lou Levine, Stylish Impressions Submission and Managing Editors Kennedy Owino and Chammah Kaunda Editorial Peer Review Team Prof. Anderson, Cheryl B. (Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary); Dr. Biccus, Imraan (University of KwaZulu- Natal); Dr. Buckenham, Karen (Pietermaritzburg); Dr. Dziva, Douglas (KwaZulu-Natal Council of Churches); Prof. Fredericks, Martha (University of Ulrich); Prof. Getui, Mary (Catholic University of Eastern Africa); Dr. Hewitt, Roderick (University of KwaZulu-Natal); Dr. Houston, Bill ( Honorary lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal); Prof. Landman, Christina (University of South Africa); Dr. Le Bruyns, Clint (University of KwaZulu-Natal); Dr. Maurtin-Cairncross, Anita (University of the Western Cape); Prof. Mbogmba, Elias (Rice University); Dr. Mtata, Kenneth (Lutheran World Federation); Dr. Msomi, Vivian (Pietermaritzburg); Dr. Mutambara, Maaraidzo Elizabeth (Africa University); Dr. Murove, Felix (University of KwaZulu-Natal); Prof. Mwaura, Philomena (Kenyatta University); Dr. Nel, Reggie (University of South Africa); Dr. Nzimande, Makhosazana K. (University of Zululand); Mr. Phiri, Stephen (University of KwaZulu- Natal); Prof. Rakoczy, Susan (St. Josephs Theological Institute); Prof. Shoko, Tabona (University of Zimbabwe); Mr. Sitoto, Tahir (University of KwaZulu-Natal); Dr. Siwila, Lilian C. (Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary); Rev. Sprong, Jenny (Diakonia Council of Churches); Dr. Tofa, Eliot (University of Swaziland); Dr. Tönsing, Detlev (University of KwaZulu Natal); Dr. Venance, Lubunga (Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa); Prof. Wagner, Claire (University of Pretoria); Dr. Wyngaard, Peter (University of KwaZulu-Natal); Dr. Yorke, Gosnell (University of KwaZulu-Natal). International Representatives Anderson, Cheryl (Garrett Theological Seminary, USA) Bongmba, Elias K. (Rich University, USA) Frederiks, Martha (University of Ultrich, The Netherlands) Hewitt, Roderick (Council for World Mission/ University of KwaZulu- Natal) Moyo, Fulata Lusungu (World Council of Churches (WCC), Switzerland) Mwaura, Philomena (Kenyatta University, Kenya) Robert, Dana (Boston University, USA) JOURNAL OF GENDER AND RELIGION IN AFRICA EDITORIAL POLICY STATEMENT The Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa (JGRA), is a semi-annual publication of the Centre for Constructive Theology, an initiative of the former Faculty of Theology, University of Durban-Westville. From 2004 its articles focused on research papers, which are relevant to gender, religion and theology in Africa. The editorial committee considers for publication submissions of a scholarly standard from any of the social science (theological) disciplines or related fields of inquiry, which provide useful perspectives in the area of gender, religion and theology in Africa. Particular areas of interest include the gendered analysis of: innovations in contextual theological education; theological and ethical reflection on social transformation; the significance of new religious movements and African- initiated churches; the role of women in religion and society; interfaith dialogue; peacemaking and reconciliation. The Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa seeks to promote dialogue and response not only within the academic theological community in Africa and beyond, but also faith practitioners working “on the ground” to build a more just society in the region. These may include clergy, other church professionals and laity across broad social spectrums who seek to read their faith against the critical issues confronting society today. Written submissions to the Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa may take the form of researched scholarly articles or essays. Book reviews, brief responses to articles, conference reports and summaries of research projects are also welcome. Articles submitted for the section called “praxis” must show evidence of how sound theoretical reflections are brought to bear on practical action. Within this section on “praxis” we will publish essays that are not considered “mainstream academic” but nonetheless point to theories of gender justice in action. Submissions are evaluated through an editorial committee screening process. Further, the articles are also sent to a minimum of two competent scholars working in a similar field of interest for peer-review. Prospective contributors of scholarly articles should send a typed copy of their article via email to the submissions editor at [email protected]. All submissions must strictly follow the guidelines set out in the JGRA Style Sheet. Any article that does not conform to the Style Sheet will be returned and will not be further considered until the style requirements are adhered to. Published contributors will receive one complimentary copies of the issue in which their work is published. Opinions expressed by contributors are solely their own, and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial committee or the Centre for Constructive Theology. CONTENTS Editorial 1 Section 1 “Founded on the Holy Bible…” A Bible-believing Judge and the ‘Sin’ of Same-Sex Relationships 5 Allan Aubrey Boesak God or Caesar: A Queer Debate on Interpretation in the South African Church 24 Sifiso Khuzwayo Sexual Diversity, Islamic Jurisprudence and Sociality 41 Farid Esack and Nadeem Mahomed Disruptive or Merely Alternative? A Case Study of a South African Gay Church 58 Cheryl Potgieter and Finn Reygan Who’s in Charge in a Genderless Marriage? A Feminist and Queer Analysis of Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage by the Marriage Alliance of South Africa 77 Jennifer Jane Sistig and Sarojini Nadar Gender Prejudice in the use of Biblical Texts against Same- Sex Relationships in Zimbabwe 93 Masiiwa Ragies Gunda “Beyond the Bible”: Critical Reflections on the Contributions of Cultural and Postcolonial studies on Same-sex Relationships in Africa 109 Lovemore Togarasei and Ezra Chitando The Homosexual as the Antithesis of ‘Biblical Manhood’? Heteronormativity and Masculinity Politics in Zambian Pentecostal Sermons 126 Adriaan S. van Klinken Iweto, Lelemama, Mashoga and Nguiko: Same-sex Sexuality in Kenya from an African Spirituality and Ethics Perspective 143 Julius Gathogo and Isabel Apawo Phiri Same Sex Relationships: Perspectives from Shona Traditional Religion and Culture in Zimbabwe 160 Kudzai Biri “Us and Them” in the One and Undivided Church: The Methodist Church and the Same-Sex Sexuality Debate 175 Raymond Simangaliso Kumalo Section 2: Praxis: “Suspended, Disciplined and Discontinued”: A Practical Response Towards Inclusion 192 Judith Kotze and Ecclesia de Lange JOURNAL OF GENDER AND RELIGION IN AFRICA SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Year 2011 1 Year (2 issues) INDIVIDUALS INSTITUTIONS Countries in Africa ZAR60 ZAR85 All other Countries US$50 US$60 Single Copies ZAR50 Elsewhere US$30 *NOTE: These Prices are valid for 20012 and if paid for up front for 5 years. Prices are subject to annual increase. ENCLOSED is a cheque or money order payable to the CENTRE FOR CONSTRUCTIVE THEOLOGY for a subscription for 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years in the amount of ZAR_____, or US$_____. [Please the appropriate box] NAME & TITLE: ___________________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ TEL: _____________________________________________________ FAX: ____________________________________________________ E-MAIL: __________________________________________________ Please return this form with payment enclosed to: The Administrator, Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa (JGRA) C/o School of Religion and Theology University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01 Scottsville, KwaZulu-Natal, 3209, South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 33-260-6106 Fax: +27 (0) 33-260-5858 E-mail: [email protected] 1-4 Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa Vol. 17 No 2 (December 2011) Editorial The issue of same-sex sexuality has captured the collective imagination of South Africa ever since the “pattern” of brutal murders of lesbians in what were termed “corrective rapes” emerged; and the subsequent legalisation of same-sex unions in 2006. This topic has gained increased attention in the second quarter of 2011, with the looming sentencing of those guilty of the murder of Zoliswa Nkonyana, a lesbian from Khayelitsha in Cape Town. The second event that has brought the issue of same-sex sexuality to the fore once again was the debates around the appointment of Mogoeng Mogoeng to the position of Chief Justice. Those who opposed his appointment forwarded several arguments regarding his position on gender justice which many considered very conservative. While the issues regarding his judgements on rape and other acts of sexual violence were brought to the fore, what was also highlighted was his stance on same-sex sexuality which he said derived from the bible and his
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