Pioneering Gendered African Theology: A Historical Perspective of Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel

Abstract

This article is a contribution to the Church History Society of Southern Africa as a tribute to the late Professor Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel (15 December 1959–19 May 2020). On 28 November 1992, she was the first female minister to be ordained by a Dutch Reformed Church in Southern Africa. The author, who is a former student of the late Plaatjies-Van Huffel, is aware of the delicacy of such an inscription and is mindful of the pain which her family and relatives, the church and the academic world has experienced after losing such a dedicated person. The article is a historical review of the contribution of Plaatjies-Van Huffel as a church pastor, a church leader, an expert on church polity (i.e., church government), an academic, and a renowned scholar. Her contribution made an impact on both the church and society not only in South Africa but across the globe. In honouring her, the article will give a historical narrative of Plaatjies-Van Huffel’s life and achievements before her death. An overview of how Plaatjies-Van Huffel pioneered gendered African theology is presented as a way of honouring her contributions to and achievements in the church and the academic world and these will be discussed in four parts. The first part narrates her life with a singular focus on her early years and education; the second part relates her pastoral career; while the third part discusses her participation in church leadership – both local and international – and her serving on various boards and committees. Finally, the fourth part focuses mainly on her life as an academic. Since the narrative is historical in nature only archival sources will be used. The road for women to become pioneering gendered African theologians has not been an easy one because it has been marred by women despising and being frustrated with one another. Therefore, it is important for the church to have proper and up-to-date knowledge and information about church regulations and a critical analysis from a gender perspective of current church rules and procedures to allow inclusive language. In conclusion, the article presents a challenge and provides encouragement for women who desire to serve as leaders in the church, society and tertiary institutions that it is possible to do so even if there are patriarchal barriers and domination.