15/10/2026
As part of our Black History Month series, we are exploring the contributions made by Black men and women to the field of theology.
Starting in the 1960s and 1970s, the field of Black theology emerged in America, challenging the dominant norms by beginning theological reflection with the lived experiences of Black people. Black theology centres around God the liberator who stands with the oppressed throughout history and today.
Womanist theologies later emerged, partially as a critique of the lack of gender analysis in Black theology. It recognises that Black women have a unique experience which shapes their faith. In womanist theology, the intertwining forces of white supremacy and patriarchy are explicitly named as structures of injustice and oppression.
Black and womanist theologies have been hugely influential in the field of theology at large. They encourage theologians to reckon with their own social location and to acknowledge the way that each person's unique experiences and perspectives inevitably shape and inform their theological work and faith.
Interested in reading more? Keep your eyes peeled for another post with recommendations for getting stuck in and learning more!
