Divinity School dean shares theological reflection on gender equality at gathering of Asian churches

Rev. Dr. Jeaneth Harris-Faller, Dean of the Silliman University Divinity School (SUDS), shared a theological reflection to the participants of the Christian Conference Asia’s Regional Consultation on “Ensure Gender Equality, Empower Women and Lift Up Humanity,” July 9, 2021 via Zoom.

With her presentation titled “Towards Violence Free Lives for Women,” Faller reflected on the text from second Samuel (3: 6-11, 21:10-14) with the three powerful male figures of Saul, David, and Abner which up until today, mirrors the many countries in Asia still ruled by men over peoples from lower socio-economic classes.

She mentioned the case of an impoverished girl from Dumaguete who fought against her foreign abuser. Faller related the girl’s situation to that of Rizpah from the Old Testament who, like many women and girls in Asia, have experienced abuse and violence due to their inherited powerlessness because they were born into lower socio-economic classes. Rizpah was introduced as a concubine to Saul, a victim of Abner’s sexual exploits and the daughter of Aiah who was a descendant of Esau’s concubine.

According to Faller, Rizpah represents the abusive subordination that many women in Asia suffer brought about by the economic and social disparities among peoples. However, her story of desperation turns into one of redemption as she stood up with her limited space to resist rather than conform; to rise up rather than remain to bend down from her miseries.

The said two-day consultation among member churches and organizations of the Christian Conference of Asia was part of the Ecumenical Women’s Action against Violence programme which provided an opportunity to deliberate upon and emphasise the varied challenges that continue to prevent the full achievement of gender equality.

(Report by Klein Fausto Emperado, SUDS Centennial 2021 Special Project Staff)