Religion and Gender: The Story of Female Ministers in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana

Abstract

This study presents an understanding of how religion and gender play a role in opportunities given to female ministers of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The study adopted a case study with a cross-sectional design. Using a Random Sampling Technique, the study collected data from 80 female ministers in Presbyterian Church of Ghana scattered across the country. The study revealed that, being a female Presbyterian Minister comes with unexpected opportunities which may enhance and motivate ministry work among clergy women. However, majority of the respondents opined that being a female Presbyterian Minister affects them economically since they are unable to engage in other economic activities. The study revealed that female Ministers in the Presbyterian church of Ghana perceive the notion that the exclusion of women in decision making, mainly is as a result of lack of will capacity or confidence. The study revealed that the church has embraced the capacity of women in later parts of the 20th century, given equal and level playing field to both male and female ministers/pastor alike. The study recommends that, there should be equality in privileges between men and women ministers. Also, the study recommends that younger women be encouraged to enter the priesthood with various programs, such as workshops and seminars, focusing on the ordained ministry.