The Agency of Women in Methodist Church Nigeria, 1962-2012

Abstract

The participation of women in church polity has faced major contentions over the years resulting in the need for women to establish a niche within the church to fully express themselves. This study examines the agency of women in Methodist Church Nigeria, Ibadan district, from 1962-2012 with the aim of collectively turning around long years of limitations and establishing a consistent contributory role for women in the district, national, and global levels of the church. It employs phenomenological approach and utilizes interview and participant observation methods to elicit relevant information on the contributions of women in the Methodist church over the years. The paper establishes that women in Methodist Church Nigeria have been able to mobilise and utilise their collective strength through the Women’s Work Department for developmental and sustainable action. It recommends that women in Methodist Church Nigeria should leverage on their previous contributions to make better evaluation for future achievements.