Kairos 40th Anniversary Gathering

Kairos 40th Anniversary Gathering

Gender, Genocide, Gaza and the Book of Esther: Engaging Texts of Terror(ism) by Sarojini Nadar

Published by Ferial Marlie at 19/05/2025

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We are thrilled to announce the release of Gender, Genocide, Gaza and the Book of Esther: Engaging Texts of Terrorism by Professor Sarojini Nadar, published by Routledge.

📘 Publication Date: 21 May 2025
🔗 Purchase a copy here: Routledge

Professor Nadar, a renowned scholar and activist, continues her bold work at the intersections of religion, gender, and justice. Drawing powerful connections between the ancient story of Esther and contemporary crises such as the ongoing violence in Gaza, Professor Nadar challenges readers to critically engage with sacred texts and their modern-day political ramifications.

Read more about Professor Nadar’s work, and the book, here.

Upcoming events

Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice

2 months ago

The Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice in partnership with the UWC Women's and Gender Studies Department cordially invites you to the launch of "Called and Queer: Lived Religion and LGBTQ Methodist Clergy in South Africa" by Dr. Megan Robertson.Join us for the launch of this groundbreaking book—the first in-depth study of queer Christian clergy in an African context. Through rich ethnographic research, Dr. Megan Robertson explores the experiences of six LGBTQ clergy in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, shedding light on how they navigate their callings within a denomination that officially upholds restrictive doctrines on sexuality. The book moves beyond institutional policies to uncover the everyday ways in which gender and sexuality shape religious life, offering important reflections on faith, identity, and belonging.Facilitated by Prof. Sarojini Nadar, the event will feature: • A book panel discussion in the form of a critical engaging conversation between the author and a distinguished panel of scholars and activists, offering critical insights into the intersections of religion, queerness, and social justice. • A special moment of remembrance for Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering advocate for LGBTQ Muslims and faith justice • A reception to continue the conversation in a more informal settingWe warmly invite scholars, students, activists, and members of the broader community to engage in this crucial discussion on lived religion, queerness, and the ongoing struggles for justice within faith communities.Event Details:Date: 8 April 2025Venue: Arts Space, University of the Western Cape (UWC)Time: 3:00 PMRSVP: forms.gle/rq32twmPDH7ioEW3A
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Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice
is with Thandi Gamedze and 3 others.

8 months ago

Dear Friends of the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice,I warmly invite you to consider signing this "queer kairos document," which we are issuing in partnership with several other collectives, centres and organisations including:Gatvol #churchtoo Collective Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM)www.facebook.com/ujamaacentre Ujamaa Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Black Thought and African Studies, Seth Mokitimi Methodist SeminaryTRIANGLE Project www.facebook.com/hopeafricaza Hope Africa, The Social Development Programme of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa www.facebook.com/@GenderDynamiX Gender DynamiXThe Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy FoundationWe feel a deep responsibility to use this platform to gather signatories in response to the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Provincial Synod decision on 26 September 2024, which rejected prayers and blessings for queer siblings in civil unions.Rooted in liberation theological scholarship at the intersections of gender, sexuality, and religion, this document reflects our personal commitment to sexual diversity, freedom, and human rights. We are profoundly inspired by the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in whose name this centre stands. While we do not speak on his behalf, we are moved by his powerful words: “I would not go to a homophobic heaven! I would rather go to that other place.”Why is this so urgent?Kairos, by its very nature, calls us to act in the present moment. While the document may not be without its flaws, and may lack certain theological or sociological elements, it is not intended to be a perfect manifesto. Instead, it seeks to create space for those feeling anger, hurt, and frustration with the church, urging us all toward action.Unlike the original kairos document, which was constrained by the technology of its time and required physical gatherings to create, we now have the opportunity to act swiftly and in real time. We encourage you to share this document widely and add your name, amplifying our collective voice in this critical moment.Where might this lead? The words of Jesus, “Let all who have ears to hear, hear,” feel particularly relevant here. We encourage you to use this document within your churches and communities to encourage meaningful and constructive dialogue.This is just the beginning. It is not meant to be comprehensive or final, but to ignite a movement for justice that we hope will grow in strength and visibility. For those concerned by the document’s tone of anger, we ask that you consider the “power of anger in the work of love,” as emphasized by scholars like Beverly Wildung Harrison and bell hooks, as well as the prophets of old, including Jesus himself.Let us, together, kindle this flame for justice.In solidarity and love (always love!)Sarojini Nadar Desmond Tutu Research Chair in Religion and Social JusticeAccess the document here: desmondtutucentre-rsj.uwc.ac.za/2024/10/01/queer-kairos/Sign here: chng.it/84hNPJRqJy
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Sign the Queer Kairos document

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